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The Family Tree Celebrates National Love A Tree Day

By Marie Collins Executive Director at The Family Tree May 15, 2019
May 16th is National Love A Tree Day. This is an important environmental awareness day and one that aligns with The Family Tree's mission of improving the quality of life for individuals and families. As The Family Tree commemorates 40 years of service to the community, they are joining celebrations around the nation for “Love A Tree Day” by showing some love to the Acadiana community and specifically Ms. Yasmin Welch, former Director of Programs and Services of The Family Tree.


The Family Tree will be planting and dedicating a magnolia tree to Ms. Welch, who has committed her life to working with parents, children and families. She continues to work tirelessly to advance efforts in the areas of maternal and child health and infant mental health for disadvantaged populations in the community. The tree planting ceremony will be held at Veteran’s Park on May 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public.


When Ms. Welch was asked what type of tree she thought about when thinking of The Family Tree, she had the most beautiful response. She said her first thoughts were that of "Live Oaks and Magnolias because they are strong, beautiful, last forever, and I have the same hopes for The Family Tree." Executive Director, Marie Collins says, “I am elated and wholeheartedly agree with Yasmin’s analogy of The Family Tree and a Magnolia tree. We have worked hard over the years to plant deep roots in our community that will help individuals and families flourish. We are so appreciative of Yasmin and others who share our passion to impact lasting and sustainable change that results in strong beautiful people and a strong beautiful community.”


“The seed of The Family Tree was planted in 1979 with a vision of helping to create a community filled with healthy individuals and families,” stated Collins. “Now after 40 years, we’ve expanded programming from the initial core service of community education to encompass multiple programs that offer specialized services to specific groups of people. We are honored to continue Yasmin's work and expand efforts that focus on a healthier happier community.”

About The Family Tree
As a community-based agency, The Family Tree provides professional yet affordable or no-cost services to the Acadiana region. The organization’s programs support individuals, parents and families through various stages of their lives to result in better mental health, coping skills, stronger family systems and supports.


The mission of the Family Tree is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families over the life course through education, counseling and information services that are delivered in a professional, accessible, and compassionate manner. For more information about The Family Tree, visit www.acadianafamilytree.org.