Lafayette native Julie Lafleur, University of Louisiana at Lafayette alumna and current AmeriCorps program director, has been volunteering in Acadiana since she was in college herself. Now she leads college students to participate in volunteering around the city — education with New Hope Lafayette, the environment with Moncus Park and construction with Habitat for Humanity.
Lafleur’s journey with AmeriCorps began with volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana for two years, and when she returned to the university to get a second degree, she reunited with AmeriCorps in 2002 and tutored elementary students. AmeriCorps members also do additional volunteer hours, and Lafleur has spent many hours volunteering at Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s St. Joseph Diner, a local soup kitchen.
After graduating with her second degree, Lafleur served on the Volunteer Louisiana Commission. She has continued to work in the nonprofit sector and social services for 20 years. She currently volunteers with St. Barnabas Episcopal with nursing home bingo and The Inn Bread Crew. Lafleur also serves on the planning committee for the Women’s Creative Process Retreat and on the board of Earthshare Gardens. …