WHO: Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris, Governor Jeff Landry, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, Gene Mills of Louisiana Family Forum, pastors, legislators and faith-community partners.
WHAT: Hope Starts Here: A Faithful Home for Every Child. A statewide gathering designed to equip pastors, church leaders and ministry leaders with practical ways to strengthen families, support caregivers and help children experience safety, stability and lifelong belonging. More info on event: https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/hsh26/
WHERE: Bethany Church, South Baton Rouge Campus, 11107 Honore Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
WHEN: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Arrival and sign-in: 9:30–10:00 a.m. Main gathering: 10:00 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
WHY: Louisiana churches already strengthen families and support communities. Hope Starts Here will help congregations connect that willingness to safe, coordinated and sustainable opportunities across prevention, preservation, protection and permanency.
MEDIA NOTES: This event is exclusively for church leaders, pastors, priests and ministry leaders. DCFS is encouraging faith leaders from across Louisiana to attend and would appreciate your help sharing the event with your various audiences.
Registration for church leaders here (and on main link above): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccP5n9V2eiLbct2XVH5Y9ZeKYDc25dxM_HN30GcXDxAMGgMg/viewform
Secretary Rebecca Harris is available for any media interviews before the event to discuss Hope Starts Here and DCFS’ efforts to strengthen partnerships with Louisiana’s faith community. To schedule an interview, contact Public Affairs Director Lester Duhé at [email protected]. Secretary Harris will also be available for interviews at the event the day of.
