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LAPLACE — Low-income individuals in St. John the Baptist Parish are now able to receive free 4G LTE smartphones and tablets at Charitable Assistance of Louisiana, located at 2832 W. Airline Highway Ste. A in LaPlace.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held June 25 at the new business, which also offers business consulting, credit education and restoration, mental health referrals, prescription drug coupons, financial planning and job placement assistance. These services, as well as the free phone wireless program, are available to qualifying individuals on government assistance or with a household income below 135% of the poverty level.

Qualifying individuals who receive cell phones can also receive a free tablet with a WiFi hotspot to assist in working and/or schooling from home.

New and gently used clothing ranging in cost from 50 cents to $5 will also be available at Charitable Assistance of Louisiana.

CEO Rashaad Collins is passionate about helping his community because he can relate to families experiencing financial turmoil.

“At one point in time, I was on government assistance, and it definitely helped me and my family come to a better place in life where we no longer need it,” Collins said. “I’m from Reserve, so I definitely want to provide the same thing to people in my area and help them come to a better standing financially. All of these options help them to be able to do that.”

For more information, call 985-536-7888.