Women with Heart winners are announced

OPELOUSAS– The Women United of St. Landry-Evangeline United Way presented the prestigious Woman With Heart Awards on Thursday, May 6,. at the group’s annual Women With Heart event. The event supports the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and other projects focusing on women, children and families.
“This award goes out each year to the woman whose vision and drive make a positive impact on her community. Through her selfless giving and spirit, she is making a mark,” said Ginger LeCompte, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way Executive Director and member of Women United.
The “Woman With Heart” award for a St. Landry Parish woman went to Paula Jordan, and the award for an Evangeline Parish woman went to Carleen Bellard. “Both women have consistently demonstrated a passion and giving spirit for their respective communities, and distinguished themselves as caring, compassionate community activists, volunteers and leaders,” stated Bambi Polotzola, member of Women United.
“Paula Jordan’s list of accomplishments and her advocacy for programs such as CASA, Family Strong Foundation, BLAST, St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, the Eunice Food Bank, and JS Clark Leadership Academy are vast, as well as impactful in St. Landry Parish,” stated Roseanne Mitchell, Vice-President of Women United. “No one can deny she is a Woman With Heart.”
Josie Frank, president of Women United of St. Landry-Evangeline United Way, stated, “Carleen, as director of the Evangeline Parish Community Action Agency, combines her professional activities with a personal passion and commitment for the people of her community.” Bellard is actively engaged in her church’s Red Circle that provides programs for children ages 3-18, as well as St. John Krewe De Evangeline Coalition, St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center, Ville Platte Quarterback Club, Second Harvest and Catholic Charities Food Distribution.
To learn more about Women United or St. Landry-Evangeline United Way, visit www.uwsle.org
Membership into the group is open to any woman who has a desire to make a positive difference in their community.