Who We Are
Together we can break the cycle
Empower 225 is a non-profit organization in the Greater Baton Rouge Area that is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities in disadvantaged areas by providing and coordinating supportive services and referrals.
We empower youth and families to escape the cycle of poverty and violence by connecting them to supportive services and developing them in five primary areas:
- Educational Support
- Life Skills Training
- Career Preparedness
- Housing
- Mentorship
things have got to change
The Need By The Numbers
Poverty
LA has the 2nd highest poverty rate in the nation. In 2022, 19% of residents lived below the poverty line (national average = 12.8%). More than one quarter of Louisiana’s children live in poverty (26.9%). The 70805 service zip code has a poverty rate of 41.3%, double the LA rate and three times higher than the national rate.
Violence
In 2021, Louisiana had the highest state murder rate. 149 people were murdered in Baton Rouge. That’s 35 per 100,000 people. Of the 149, at least 120 occurred in the BR city limits with the 70805 and 70802 zip codes hit the hardest. Neighborhoods known to be plagued with gun violence after decades of poverty and disinvestment.
Foster Care
During 2021, 5,749 children were served through foster care because of child abuse and/or neglect. Baton Rouge served 421 children in foster care, with a monthly average of 243. The Baton Rouge Region received 5,524 reports of abuse and neglect in 2021.
Housing
With the combination of the Great Flood of 2016 and hurricanes, including Hurricane Ida most recently, 90% of homes in the area were damaged or destroyed. Thousands were left homeless and many housing providers’ facilities were flooded. The price of available housing increased substantially, while the availability of housing decreased drastically.
Human Trafficking
Baton Rouge is 1 of 4 parishes in LA with the most reported trafficking victims. In 2019, 543 minor sex trafficking victims (prospective or confirmed) were identified in Louisiana. 106 were ages 12 and under, with the youngest being 2 months old. Some providers did not report data, so the total cases are likely underreported.
