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W e d n e s d ay, Au g u s t 13, 2025
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‘It takes a lot off my shoulders’
“Without Angels’ Place, I don’t back-to-school supply drive sponFamilies with know how I could afford the school sored by Angels’ Place in Old Jefmy kids need. It takes a ferson. Each family received a health crises get help supplies lot off my shoulders,” Disotell school bag filled with supplies. from Angels’ Place said. The nonprofit Angels’ Place pro-
BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF
Contributing writer
Kayla Disotell has not had an easy life. Yet the single mother of three children — Brianna, 10 years old; Amari, 8; and Cianna, 2 — still calls it a blessing. Her biggest challenge has been Cianna being born with Heterotaxy syndrome, a rare birth defect that involves the heart and other organs. At Angels’ Place in Old Jefferson, she’s gotten help not only with Cianna, but with Brianna and Amari as well.
“It’s been a lot, taking care of my older children while trying to find the best medical care for Cianna, all while working,” said Disotell, who works full time at the Bridge Center of Hope in Baton Rouge, an organization that helps those experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Cianna has already had four surgeries, including heart surgery, and she will soon have second another one. “I am not rich, and I am doing all I can, but I know my life has been a blessing.” Disotell was one of dozens of families who attended the annual
vides support services for families who have a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. It was established in 1996 by the late Anita Gilford, who started the supply drive. Mark Firmin has been the executive director for 10 years. “We currently have 80 families, helping the needs of the whole family, including the child, siblings, parents and caregivers,” Firmin said. “That totals to over 300 individuals. “We are one of the few organizations that provide respite care,
PROVIDED PHOTO
Siblings Brianna Disotell, left, and Amari Disotell are surrounded by the school supplies they received from the annual drive held in Old Jefferson and sponsored by Angels’ Place. Brianna is 10 and Amari is 8. They are ä See ANGELS, page 2G students at the Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts.
Sound it out: R-E-A-D Gently used children’s books on sale by library nonprofit
Staff report It’s a new way to for families to save on education: A big sale of gently used children’s books is coming up. The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library is holding its first all-children’s used book sale at the Norman Mayer Library Branch, at 3001 Gentilly Blvd., on Aug. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. and Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cash, cards and Venmo are accepted.
ä See SALE, page 2G
STAFF PHOTOS BY CHRIS GRANGER
First grade teacher Zijazo Bercy shows one of her students which hand to use for the Pledge of Allegiance before the start of school.
A new chapter
Fannie C. Williams Charter School welcomes new and returning students for the first day of the 2025-2026 school year on Aug. 4. Similar scenes are taking place all across the metro area as public, charter and private school students make their way back into classrooms.
Principal/CEO Kelly Batiste hugs returning students as they are dropped off in the morning for the first day of school in New Orleans. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
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Adopt-A-Family Program launches school uniform drive The Adopt-A-Family Program has launched its 2025 school uniform drive to help needy students in the New Orleans area. Last year, the program raised $34,473, helping 689 students buy school uniforms. Kevin Buckel, the program coordinator, works with school counselors who identify students without a uniform. Working with Logo Express, a local uniform shop vendor, the program spends $50 per student to buy two shirts and one pair of pants. The program is in its 32nd year and has raised more than $1 million, 100% of which has been spent on school uniforms. Donors who sponsor a child get a thank-you note from their student and the original copy of the $50 cash register receipt. Donations can be made to Adopt-A-Family in suite 300 at 3445 N. Causeway Blvd., in Metairie, or through the organization’s website at www.laadoptafamily.com.
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Having the right uniform is important for a student’s self-esteem.
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