BATON ROUGE, LA — On October 7, pastors, church leaders, state leaders and community partners from across Louisiana will gather at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge for Hope Starts Here: A Faithful Home for Every Child, a statewide initiative focused on practical ways churches can strengthen families, support caregivers and help children experience safety, stability and lifelong belonging.
The program will feature DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris, Governor Jeff Landry, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, Gene Mills of Louisiana Family Forum, church leaders already engaged in this work and other state leaders discussing shared responsibility and community impact. Attendees will be invited to choose a faithful first step that fits their congregation’s capacity across prevention, preservation, protection and permanency.
The gathering will also offer visual and interview opportunities, including pastor and legislator panels, a ministry resource fair and a visible church-partnership sign-up.
We welcome media coverage before or during the event and can coordinate interviews with DCFS leadership, faith leaders, participating pastors and community partners, subject to availability.
Event: Hope Starts Here: A Faithful Home for Every Child
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Main gathering: 10:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Registration at 9:30 a.m.)
Location: Bethany Church, South Baton Rouge Campus, 11107 Honore Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Learn more: Hope Starts Here | DCFS Louisiana
- Registration for church leaders: Register here
For more information about the event and DCFS’ efforts to strengthen partnerships with Louisiana’s faith community, or to schedule an interview, contact Public Affairs Director Lester Duhé at [email protected].
About DCFS
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services works to protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong. By connecting children and families with the support they need, DCFS helps create opportunities for long-term success across Louisiana. Learn more at dcfs.la.gov.
