The Education Department at Hearts of Hope offers a variety of programs for schools and post-secondary institutions

The Education Department at Hearts of Hope offers a variety of programs for schools and post-secondary institutions designed to decrease the risk factors associated with sexual violence. The locally acclaimed I Have a Voice program is primarily implemented within school settings for grades PreK-5th during the school year within the parishes of Acadiana. Due to its ever-growing popularity, it is now being made available to children ages 4 - 11 during the summer months of May-August. There is no cost to attend and scheduling is done on a first come first serve basis. The program focuses on teaching body safety by using two storybooks: "Your Body Belongs to You" and "Do You have a Secret?" Educators place special emphasis on teaching children four main concepts:

1.) Appropriate/ Inappropriate touch
2.) Safety plan
3.) Trusted adults
4.) Secrets

Each of the two sessions will take 30-45 minutes to complete. Confidentiality is strictly maintained for all clients. Hearts of Hope does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, national origin, socio-economic status, immigration status, political affiliation, or disability. All survivors receiving services at Hearts of Hope shall receive fair and equal treatment without bias. A parent/guardian must call the Hearts of Hope office to register their child for a class: 337.269.1557 or contact the Director of Education, Val Senegal val.senegal@theheartsofhope.org.