Craft your future with us! Join the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center Industrial Readiness Training Program starting March 11th. Questions or ready to enroll? Call [318] 460-7460 to Embrace New Possibilities!

We are eager to announce our first Industrial Readiness Training class date of the new year! Class begins, January 8th and will start at 8AM. Click here to sign up!

Join us in celebrating the holidays! It’s the holiday season and sugary treats are everywhere, The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is hosting a fun event in which individuals can still enjoy the spirit of the season while also creating/forming healthy habits. During the event, we will have healthy food and drinks prepared with ingredients from The Legacy Community Garden and have a few fun activities for all ages to enjoy.

The party will be held December 19th from 6PM – 8PM at The Legacy Cafe! The event is open to the public and we encourage everyone to attend in their ugly Christmas sweaters.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Industrial Readiness Training Graduation Celebration. It was an evening filled with pride, joy, and the collective celebration of achievements. Our graduates took center stage, proudly showcasing their hard-earned certifications in OSHA-10, NCCER, and more! Each individual demonstrated not only technical expertise but also a profound commitment to their professional growth.

The event was beautifully documented, capturing the smiles, cheers, and proud moments. Check out our social media channels here for a glimpse of the celebration and feel free to share your own memories using the hashtag #IRTGraduationRecap.

ROOTS FOR CHANGE

This Giving Tuesday, we celebrated a heartwarming community event. In collaboration with American Forests, sponsored by Weyerhaeuser, and supported by employees from the City of Natchitoches, the fire department, and students from NSU, Grambling and Lakeview High School. We planted 38 trees at Ben Johnson Park. This event symbolizes unity, equity, and a brighter future for residents of Natchitoches. Projects like these provide a platform for people to connect, share stories, and work towards a common goal.

As we reflect on the impact, consider how your donation can further sustain programming, community building, and education. Your support turns a sapling of an idea into a flourishing tree, reaching far beyond the roots of Ben Johnson Park. Thank you for being part of this meaningful journey towards a greener, more interconnected future!

To see pictures from the event, check out our Instagram @bdjcenter and our Facebook ‘The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center’ and give us a follow!

Who said you can't have fun with your food? To celebrate Thanksgiving, our staff at BDJ joined The Boys and Girls Club in yet another fun workshop! Our friends created fun turkey sandwiches with fresh vegetables, lean turkey, and the nutritious kale from The Legacy Community Garden. These sandwiches are a perfect blend of taste and nutrition. The Boys and Girls Club embraced the opportunity to make healthy choices while still having fun with their food.

Partnering with The Boys and Girls Club doing fun workshops with the children in our community is yet another way we honor our mission of building community. The act of growing*, preparing, and sharing food brings people together, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the abundance in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone—may your day be filled with delicious food, warm moments, and the company of those you hold dear.

The Ben Johnson Park was buzzing with excitement the day before Thanksgiving as kids gathered for an unforgettable event – the Kids Pickleball Clinic hosted by the City of Natchitoches' and pickleball pro, Judit Castillo! This clinic wasn't just about learning the ins and outs of pickleball; it was a day filled with laughter, learning, and creating memories that these young players will carry with them for years to come.

Under the bright autumn sun, the kids eagerly participated in drills, games, and friendly matches. Judit Castillo, with her infectious enthusiasm, made learning the ropes of pickleball a breeze. From serving techniques to mastering the art of rallying, the clinic covered it all. The young players not only honed their skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork on the court. The event was not just about playing a sport but about the joy of being active outdoors.

As a part of our mission, we believe in building community in Natchitoches. This event allowed us to not only continue our work, but to also have fun! To view more pictures of the event, visit our Instagram and our Facebook.

New tech in the computer lab! Southwestern Energy (SWN) generously donated 12 monitors to The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center this past Thursday. This contribution reflects SWN's commitment to education and aligns with our center's mission of empowering individuals through learning, enhancing educational capabilities and facilitating growth.

In our computer lab, students build resumes, learn computer literacy, fill out applications, and more skills needed to thrive in the workforce. Receiving new monitors allows us to continue providing social and economic access to our students.

Thanks so much Southwestern Energy!

Congratulations to our recent Industrial Readiness Training Program graduates – Shunderika Browder, Tichena Horton, Eric Newton, and Adia Robinson. Their achievements in OSHA-10, Forklift Operations, NCCER Construction, and more highlight their dedication to becoming industry leaders.

Natchitoches, did you hear?! Located inside of The Legacy Cafe, residents have a convenient location to shop for fresh produce, dry goods, fruits, snacks, and household items! And even better? If you have SNAP/EBT, you qualify for our Legacy Bucks Program! When you purchase a healthy item with your EBT card, you get a second item absolutely free. Legacy Bucks will match the healthy food items you purchase up to $10 a day!