Supporting Generations • Educating Self-Care
•Promoting Social Change
***We Are Currently Seeking Renovation Donations***
WHO WE ARE
Welcome to the Benjamin and Elsie Atkins Nettles Center, a vibrant new nonprofit social enterprise, community-rooted, dedicated to fostering and healing! Often shortened to “The B.E.A.N. DV CTR” and located in North Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Our focus is healing and empowerment for people and families affected by addiction, trauma, and related social challenges, combining practical support with community-building activities.
We are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and beyond, with a focus on innovation and collaboration. As we await our 501(c)(3) status, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey to create meaningful change. Together, we can empower individuals and uplift for a brighter future!
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to enhance social and emotional learning preparedness through community initiatives, advanced training programs, non-profit education, and facilitated access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. We aim to bridge generational divides by promoting holistic self-development, comprehensive care, economic stability, and resource assistance for vulnerable individuals and families, including certified educational support, housing assistance, and mental health counseling services.
OUR VISION
The B.E.A.N DV CTR envisions providing services and resources that reduce veteran support needs, increase educational and career aspirations, foster positive student relationships within the community, decrease instances of school-related conflicts, improve attendance rates, enhance school safety protocols, and improve teaching methodologies. We strive to address poverty by strengthening existing state programs and systems, promoting therapeutic wellness, and creating access for social and economically disadvantaged communities and diverse individuals and family structures.
Key Facts
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Type: Nonprofit social enterprise / development center, black woman veteran-owned
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Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana (greater area, community-focused)
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Named for: Benjamin & Elsie Atkins Nettles (honored family figures)
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Core focus: Healing from violence, addiction, grief, and trauma; family support
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Activities: Fundraisers, outreach events, community education
**Our History**
The center is proudly named in honor of Benjamin and Elsie Atkins Nettles, whose legacy embodies resilience, family, and service. Our organization shares personal stories of overcoming addiction, violence prevention, and strives to complete healing for individuals and communities affected by this challenge.
Established in 1971 as the Mount Zion Spiritual Baptist Church, our initial mission was to support existing ministries and newly formed Baptist congregations in urban and rural areas. Following the passing of our founders, their descendants established the Nettles Family Foundation 2011 to continue their impactful work in the Baton Rouge community.
The Village of Hands Project, initiated by the NFF in late 2019, aimed to uplift self-esteem and foster social investment in Louisiana’s caregiver at-risk communities. In response to research findings and the challenges posed Covid-19, Dr. Vashti Nettles transformed NFF into a nonprofit social enterprise.
In 2021, Dr. Nettles, alongside co-founder Shame Johnwell from Holistic Health & Consulting, LLC, officially registered the foundation as the & Elsie Atkins Nettles Development Center (B.E.A.N DV CTR). This new chapter continues to focus on empowering clients and enhancing community well-being.
Programs, Services, & Activities
To support our nonprofit programs and operations, we host annual outreach fundraising events. One of our exciting initiatives is the parking-pass fundraiser, connected to Community Parade Routes, which directly funds our nonprofit programs.
While we strive to keep information accessible, our core services on providing support for those in recovery, educating the community about addiction's effects, and collaborating with local businesses
and organizations for impactful campaigns, together we can make
a difference!
Though detailed program lists are not fully published in accessible sources, our services and activities emphasizes:
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Support for individuals facing hardship or need a boost
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Support for families who have lost loved ones or are caring for someone with addiction
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Community education and awareness
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Collaboration with local supporters and businesses through events and campaigns
Community Role & Outlook
The B.E.A.N DV Ctr is relatively small but emerging,
with an active presence on social media and in local community networks. Our compassionate space is dedicated to personal storytelling and the lives
fostering a supportive community, through empathy,remembrance, and shared experiences.
Join us as we mobilize resources for healing and create
a brighter future together. Follow us on an approach grounded in mobilizing resources for healing in the
Baton Rouge area.