Since its inception, Business First has remained committed not only to empowering women in business, but also to uplifting the community we live and work in. Each year, we extend our mission beyond business meetings by choosing nonprofit organizations in Acadiana to support through hands-on service, donations, and advocacy.
Over the years, our focus has consistently included organizations that directly impact the lives of women and children in crisis. From providing shelter and support for survivors of domestic violence to assisting families seeking stability, we’ve been honored to partner with organizations like Faith House, Family Promise, Catholic Charities, and Save Them All, Inc.—standing in solidarity with the work they carry out every day.
As we move into 2026, Business First is proud to continue our community outreach with a renewed focus on supporting seniors in our region. This year, we are honored to spotlight and support the Lafayette Council on Aging, an organization dedicated to promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for older adults across Lafayette Parish.
While our community partners may change from year to year, our mission stays the same: to uplift, to serve, and to stand beside those who are often overlooked.
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to enhance the well-being of the elderly by providing a growing, innovative range of services delivered with respect, care, and compassion—while upholding the dignity and independence of every individual we serve.
OUR FOCUS
LCOA programs are designed to reach those most in need—individuals who are alone, isolated, or facing life’s challenges without support. Our primary goal is to help seniors remain living safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible, while enriching their quality of life.
To learn more about the services we offer or how to access them, please contact our office at 337-262-5990 and speak with our Program Manager.
The Lafayette Council on Aging provides vital services that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for our senior citizens—many of whom are women who have spent their lives nurturing families, building communities, and working behind the scenes. From meal programs and nutrition education to transportation services and case management, the Council’s mission is centered on meeting the essential needs of our aging population.
In 2025, Business First selected the Lafayette Council on Aging as a community partner, and throughout the year we have been honored to support their mission in meaningful ways. Our efforts included donating fans and blankets to help ensure seniors remain safe and comfortable, along with making monetary donations twice during the year.
The experience has been so rewarding that we are proud to continue this partnership into 2026, with plans to provide ongoing material and monetary support in the year ahead.
Several of our Business First members are already deeply involved in serving elderly populations, bringing both professional expertise and heartfelt advocacy to this important work.
Racquel Edmond, co-founder of Once Was Inc., is a passionate advocate for veterans—many of whom are seniors facing unique challenges as they age. Through her work, Racquel supports aging veterans by helping them navigate complex systems, access critical resources, and receive the dignity and respect they have earned through their service. Her advocacy reinforces the connection between veteran support and elder care, strengthening the broader mission of serving our aging community.
Alongside this work, Jennifer Zimmerle, a seasoned senior insurance specialist who has served the community since 2014, offers free consultations and regularly hosts informational seminars on Medicare, helping seniors and their families make informed decisions with confidence and clarity. Through her long-standing work with seniors, Jennifer personally introduced Business First to the Lafayette Council on Aging—bringing the organization to our attention and helping initiate our involvement based on her deep understanding of the needs facing our aging population.
Save Them All, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fighting against abuse by raising awareness, providing resources for abused and neglected children who are often silent victims of domestic violence as well as those who have been abducted, trafficked and those suffering with thoughts/ideations of suicide and bullying.
The Family Promise network is an organization providing shelter, meals and comprehensive support to families experiencing homelessness. It was founded in New Jersey in 1986, and now has programs in most states across the country. The network has more than 115,000 volunteers from over 5,000 congregations of all denominations nationwide, who have worked together in providing families experiencing homelessness with hospitality, support and basic needs. Family Promise volunteers have helped make a difference in over 130,000 lives nationwide by helping families experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.
The Emily House is our emergency sheltering program that focuses on the specific needs of families experiencing homelessness.
In continuance with national best practices in addressing homelessness, we focus on rapidly returning families to permanent housing with a goal of stabilization through intensive and personalized case management services continuing after housing placement. Our goal is to ensure that the experience of homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
The core concept is to provide one place where victims can go to talk to an advocate, plan for their safety, interview with a police officer, meet with a prosecutor, receive civil legal assistance, and receive information on shelter.
Uplifting businesswomen with like mindsets in the Acadiana area.
Developing relationships to share business knowledge and leads.
Supporting success and increasing value within our community.
Assisted with hurricane relief efforts and other charitable actions.
Should you be a woman in business in the Acadiana area and wish to visit a meeting, please contact us. We are always seeking new women to grow with.
Membership dues are $50 yearly and are prorated each quarter. Approved Members are sent a link to pay online or may set up payment via check to our Treasurer, Bridgette D. Savoy.
Returning Members $50
New Members joining January-March $50
New Members joining April-June $37.50
New Members joining July-Sept $25
New Members joining Oct-Dec $12.50
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