At ADAPT, Inc., our mission is to promote the health, safety, and well-being of individuals and communities by delivering a wide range of responsive services that address social and behavioral health needs. As a nonprofit agency, we are dedicated to empowering lives through compassionate care, including but not limited to advocacy, education, prevention, support, and recovery services. Through direct services, collaboration, networking and referrals, we strive to build a resilient and thriving community where every person has the opportunity to heal, grow, and reach their full potential.
Our purpose at ADAPT, Inc. is to serve as a comprehensive center dedicated to providing advocacy, prevention, and intervention services that address the complex challenges of sexual violence, substance abuse, and other behavioral health concerns affecting individuals of all ages. We are committed to empowering children, families, and adults by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to foster personal growth, resilience, and healthy decision-making.
Through a wide array of programs and services, ADAPT stands as a steadfast resource for those navigating trauma, recovery, or risk-related behaviors. We embrace a community-centered approach that encourages active collaboration with schools, faith-based institutions, civic groups, and other partners to promote shared responsibility in prevention and to build safer, more supportive environments.
Promote Health and Well-Being
Deliver a wide range of services that address the physical, emotional, and behavioral health needs of individuals and families, with the goal of improving overall quality of life and fostering long-term resilience.
Provide Responsive Services
Ensure that all programs and interventions (when available) are evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and accessible to all individuals.
Prevention Services
Implementation of evidence-based strategies focused on reducing sexual violence, substance use, and other harmful behaviors through education, early intervention, and public awareness.
Support Services
Offer compassionate support services—including counseling, peer support, and advocacy—that empower individuals to heal from trauma, overcome addiction, and build the skills necessary for independent and fulfilling lives.
Foster Community Engagement and Collaboration
Strengthen partnerships with schools, faith-based organizations, civic groups, government agencies, and other partners to build a coalition that works to overcome behavioral health challenges and to enhance community-based resources.
Educate and Equip Communities
Provide education, training, and outreach to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip community members with the knowledge and tools to prevent, recognize, and respond to behavioral health issues.
Talking to your kids early and often about drugs and alcohol reduces the chance that they will begin using them. Click here for a list of resources that can help you get the conversations started.
Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on July 22, 2025, at the ADAPT Office.
Rusty Fornea announced the release of ADAPT’s first Public Service Announcement, created in partnership with the Washington Parish Youth Coalition. The PSA was shown during the meeting and is available on ADAPT’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Guest speaker was Dana Walker, Founder and Executive Director of Brilliant Mindz, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth and families in Washington Parish. Ms. Walker gave an inspiring presentation highlighting the wide range of services offered by Brilliant Mindz, including after-school programs, tutoring, college tours, literacy initiatives, and outreach programs for the elderly and underserved. She also spotlighted the Cribs for Kids initiative, which provides education on safe sleep practices and distributes cribs to families in need—86 cribs have been given out locally to participants completing the class. The organization’s 7th annual STEM and Life Skills Camp also drew attention, with 140 youth participating this summer. Two students, Desmond Weary, Jr. and Malia Morris, shared firsthand accounts of their involvement, including participation in the Bioneers program and a recent educational trip to California—underscoring the program’s positive and lasting influence.
Check our YouTube channel, ADAPT Washington Parish, and remember to like, subscribe, and check the notification bell! It all helps to further the purpose of ADAPT, Inc.
WPCHS President, Paula Charles, and member, Rhonda Gunnell, commit to purchasing a pack n play to keep local infants safe while sleeping. Pictured are Paula Charles, Dana Walker, and Rhonda Gunnell.
Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) supports the Cribs for Kids program that helps ensure that every baby sleeps safe. WPCHS has authorized funds to purchase 2 pack and plays to benefit parents who enroll in the Cribs for Kids program. The fiscal agency of WPCHS, ADAPT, has committed to purchasing 5 pack n plays for the program. Additionally, Paula Charles donated funds to purchase a pack n play and challenged other grandmothers to do the same. Rhonda Gunnell accepted the challenge and donated funds to purchase a pack n play. Individuals and agencies who would like to contribute to this cause can send donations to Brilliant Mindz at P.O. Box 812, Bogalusa, LA. For additional information, contact Dana Walker at Brilliant_mindz@yahoo.com. The cost of one pack and play is approximately $100.
Cribs for Kids is a National Public Safety initiative with a mission to prevent infant sleep-related deaths by educating parents and caregivers on the importance of practicing safe sleep for their babies and to provide portable cribs to families who otherwise cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep.
The number one cause of deaths in infants is unsafe sleep related deaths due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Brilliant Mindz is a local non-profit organization that provides educational classes, along with a pack n play, for families in need. To participate in an educational class, contact Dana Walker for information.
"You can’t maintain an opiate addiction and a normal life for very long ." Dr. Bassam