BOM Financial Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of BOM Bank, donated $1,000 to sponsor the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center. Funds will be used to support young people ages 17-24 who are out of work and out of school by providing career development, life and leadership skills, and culinary training with support to overcome barriers to employment.

The Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program, an offering of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center, began with the first cohort in April 2019. The work readiness training program provides participants skills to enter and remain in the workforce. Currently, four students are enrolled and have earned ServSafe Certifications, gained financial literacy knowledge, and hands-on culinary training at the Center’s associated Legacy Café. Participants develop a job readiness portfolio, gain work experience during their Front of House and Back of House Legacy Café rotations, use fresh, local products from the Ben D. Johnson Garden and earn money while learning.

Claire Prymus, founder and Board Chair of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center, “We are grateful for this local support to provide community and economic opportunities to residents in Natchitoches”.

“We are more than honored to partner with the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center. We believe in their mission and hope they garner more support from the community”, Agency Manager, Reba Phelps.

The mission of Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success for all of its residents.

Founded by Claire Prymus in honor of her late uncle, the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a commitment to building community and providing access and opportunities for residents in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

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