Congratulations to CAHS Board of Directors’ Vice Chair Gerri Hobdy on being honored by the YWCA Greater Baton Rouge for her tireless work in advocating for mental health for all individuals and families.
“Our YWCA board observes people in the community that are empowering women and helping to expand social justice and equity in our community,” said Dianna Payton, CDO of YWCA Greater Baton Rouge. “We’re really highlighting the hard work — informative work — that’s helping to expand that as a whole.”
Hobdy, who serves as Director of Development at Baton Rouge Community College, has been a behavioral health advocate for more than 30 years in both the nonprofit and governmental sectors. She was recognized on March 5 by the YWCA at its “Empower the W” lunch at the LSU Stadium Club.
“Gerri is so deserving of this recognition,” said CAHS Executive Director Jan Laughinghouse, PhD, LCSW-BACS, LAC. “She has mentored me and so many women in our region and state for so many years. She is a fierce advocate for behavioral health and its inclusion in a person’s entire health profile.”
According to its website, the YWCA Greater Baton Rouge is a part of a national YWCA USA network, with over 200 affiliates across the country. The organization works to empower women and eliminate racism, while also promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Locally, YWCA offers programs like Early Head Start, emergency rental assistance, shelter services, crime prevention, trauma counseling and more.