Arc of Acadiana privatized Northwest Supports and Services Center in Bossier City, a state Intermediate Care Facility for the developmentally disabled, nearly 8 years ago.
As we continue to answer your questions about What Does Arc of Acadiana Do?, we want to share with you more about someone who plays an integral part at Arc of Acadiana in Bossier City.
Meet Arc of Acadiana Northwest Director, April Lee
Nearly 8 years ago, April Lee was hired as the Director of Arc of Acadiana Northwest and has been instrumental in ensuring the continuity of care for the residents there since privatization.
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
April began her career with the state in 1998 as a Social Services Counselor at Northwest Supports and Services Center. She was then promoted to a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, and from there to a Home Manager, and then to the Associate Director of the facility and finally to Director of the facility 2009.
April says that she was very happy she stayed with the state because she was able to stay at Northwest for the transition and privatization where she could still work with most of her team and especially so that she could continue her work with the many individuals she has come to love like family.
Arc of Acadiana Northwest
Arc of Acadiana’s Northwest team cared for 133 residents at this facility at the time of privatization. Over the last 5 years, most residents wanting to live in the community transitioned out of the facility into their own homes or apartments or other smaller facilities in Louisiana.
Today, Arc of Acadiana now serves 52 medically complex residents at the Northwest facility who need round the clock nursing care.
COMPASSIONATE CARE
Located in Bossier City, Louisiana, the residential facility at Arc of Acadaiana Northwest specializes in caring for and supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
We are committed to providing our residents with opportunities for growth and skill development, while offering a safe, welcoming community environment designed to help them thrive.
The facility provides residential care for individuals ranging in ages 18 to over 70 years old. Residents live in one of three homes located on our facility grounds.
MEDICAL SERVICES
- Peg Tubes
- Tracheostomies
- Diabeties Care
- Wound Care
- Seizure Care
ANCHILLARY SERVICES
- Dietary
- Physical Care
- Dental Care
- Psychiatric & Psychological Therapy
- 24-hour Nursing Care
Residents have access to community specialists as needed and recommended by their care team. In addition, Arc of Acadiana Northwest offers basic adaptive skills training and social integration while encouraging healthy lifestyles through recreational activities.
APRIL LEE THANKS HER EXCEPTIONAL TEAM ACROSS THE STATE
In addition to her local team, April proclaims that she has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her counterparts in Arc of Acadiana’s other programs in South Louisiana.
“The amount of support offered by everyone is something I’ve never experienced before. I am grateful for my place in this wonderful organization!!”
HER OTHER INTERESTS
When April is not working she enjoys watching her girls participate in their activities – marching band, danceline, tumbling, performing in concerts/plays and more! She also enjoys reading and binge-watching Netflix. April says, “I love going to the beach and listening to the ocean during summertime family vacations”.
April Lee has been married to my husband, Eric, for 17 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Eden (15) and Addy (13), who are completely different in every way.
THANK YOU
Thank you, April, for all you do every day for the people we serve!
We are so grateful you are a part of our team and the work you do in our state!
IN HER OWN WORDS
“I’ve loved working for Arc of Acadiana. My team at Northwest is awesome. I’ve learned so much from the employees and residents. Working with people with significant disabilities teaches you how to be more patient and compassionate and also how to appreciate what you have in life.”
HEAR FROM OTHERS ABOUT APRIL
“April’s leadership at Northwest is the reason why we are able to serve some of the most vulnerable people in our organization and in the state. Her compassion and intellect as well as common sense approach to everything she does is what makes her and everyone around her successful. She is a decision maker, who is organized and open to new ideas… always keeping the bigger picture in mind. She is conscientious, calm, and confident, and I truly enjoy working with her so very much. She has become someone I look to professionally for input because I trust she will always give good insightful feedback.”
Cindy Leleux
Chief Operations Officer
“April is a well-respected leader at Arc of Acadiana. She leads her team by example, always doing her best and encouraging others to do the same. She has a cooperative team spirit and is always willing to jump in and lend a hand where it is needed, even if it is outside of her own Program. April is easy going by nature but can be relied upon to make good sound decisions that align with our company’s values and mission. We are proud to say that April is an important member of our team and plays an integral role in the success of Arc of Acadiana. Even better…she is a very sweet person that anyone would be lucky to have as a friend or colleague!”
Joy R. Latiolais
Human Resources Director