By Hanna Singh
The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Louisiana celebrated Monique Johnson’s 20th anniversary with the organization last Friday, thanking her for years of dedicated service.
Better known as “Sugar Mama” to the members, Johnson has devoted two decades to the nonprofit, pouring love into thousands of meals for hundreds of children.
Johnson began assisting in the kitchen at the Boys and Girls Clubs as a favor, and 20 years later, she serves as the food service director. Driven by her passion for the children, she leads the initiative to provide nutritious meals to local youth. From shopping and cooking to crafting daily menus, Johnson goes above and beyond to ensure every child is happy and healthy.
“This has been the best 20 years of my life. I came here 20 years ago to this day, and I am so excited,” Johnson said. “I want to thank everybody for the opportunity to do what I did. I’ve gotten to serve thousands of meals in all these years, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I look forward to serving again and again.”
The staff recognized Johnson’s efforts by surprising her with a cake, balloons, flowers and several gifts upon her arrival Friday afternoon. She was greeted by a room full of cheering children and warm hugs from her companions thanking her for her service.
Chief executive officer of The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Louisiana, Eldonta’ Osborne, acknowledged the love “Sugar Mama” shows for the children and helping her community.
“Her concern and compassion for the kids is so evident in the amount of effort she puts in,” Osborne said. “She is one of the people that everybody knows, and we just want to celebrate this milestone for her.”
With Johnson and the kitchen staff’s dedication, The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Louisiana provides thousands of meals to children across the parish and North LA. Last year, the program provided around 37,000 meals over the 10-week summer period. Meals are prepared and served free of charge to children in the area to ensure that they receive healthy and nutritious meals over the summer.
Meals will be served at the following sites and dates over the summer for all eligible children without charge.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central LA -300 Memorial Dr, Ruston LA 71270
6/3/2024 to 7/26/2024 Monday – Friday
Closed on 6/19/2024, 7/4/2024
Breakfast 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Lunch 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
New Living Word School -1900 West Barnett Springs Road, Ruston LA 71270
6/3/2024 to 7/12/2024 Monday – Friday
Closed on 6/19/2024, 7/4/2024
Breakfast 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Lunch 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Mt. Harmony Day Camp -222 Mt. Harmony Church Road, Ruston LA 71270
6/3/2024 to 8/9/2024 Monday – Friday
Closed on 6/19/2024, 7/4/2024
Breakfast 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Lunch 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lincoln Family Housing -NC, 104 Greene Ln, Ruston LA 71270
6/3/2024 to 8/9/2024 Monday – Friday
Closed on 6/19/2024, 7/4/2024
Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Westwood Family Housing – NC 596 College Avenue, Grambling LA 71245
6/3/2024 to 8/9/2024 Monday – Friday Closed on 6/19/2024, 7/4/2024 Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
