Holy Angels is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing love, support and empowerment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We create opportunities, allowing the highest level of independence possible for those we serve.
Our Journey
In 1947, Bishop Greco called for help to provide a better life for individuals with disabilities in Louisiana. By October of that year, Mother General Zita Verni and thirteen Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows arrived from Romagna, Italy, and the journey began. By 1954, Bishop Greco and the Sisters opened a school for children with disabilities in Clarks, Louisiana.
In 1963, three local, prominent families of Shreveport, Louisiana, the Pollards, the Gilsters and the O’Briens, donated 64 acres to the Catholic Diocese for the purpose of establishing Holy Angels. By 1965 the first buildings were constructed, and 35 children arrived at Holy Angels. In 1968 the nursery was completed, and 15 “little angels” arrived. Support from the community and the families of clients fueled the growth of Holy Angels, and in 2006, Holy Angels transitioned to an independent 501(c) (3) focused on sustaining Bishop Greco’s and Our Lady of Sorrows’ mission.
In 2012, Holy Angels was awarded a day program license, expanding its mission to adults in the community who await an opportunity for meaningful work. AngelWorks Day Program provides participants jobs in culinary arts, business services, horticulture and creative arts.
Today, Holy Angels is an independent licensed residential training facility, serving approximately 185 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities whose ages range from newborn to older adults primarily from Louisiana and Texas. However, Holy Angels serves individuals from more than 15 states.
Holy Angels provides clients opportunities to live in the most independent settings in homes integrated in the community. In addition, individuals with behavior or medical needs are served on our beautiful campus in specialized programs.
Awards and Honors
2017 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in Fundraising – Better Business Bureau, Inc.
2017 Force For Good “Nonprofit of the Year” Leadership Award – Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO)
2016 Music & Memory Training Certification to provide high quality, person-centered care through digital music technology – MUSIC & MEMORY
2015 Non-Profit Award Finalist for Outstanding Service and Support to the Communities of Shreveport-Bossier and Surrounding Areas – Better Business Bureau, Inc.
2015 Club Horticulture Commendation for “AngelWorks Horticulture Project at Holy Angels” by The Garden Club of America, Shreveport Garden Study Club Zone IX
2014 CareerSTAT Frontline Health Care Worker Champion Award (received for AngelUniversity)
2010 Social Innovators Institute Finalist – Louisiana Office of Social Entrepreneurship (received for AngelWorks Day Program & Social Enterprises)
Foundation Recognition
Holy Angels would like to thank the following organizations for their financial commitment and support.
- AEP Foundation
- Caddo Parish Commission
- The Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation
- Community Foundation of North Louisiana
- First United Methodist Church of Shreveport
- Mayme Scott Foundation
- Noel Foundation
- Rotary Club of Shreveport
- Walmart
- Woolf Trust
Along with numerous other foundations, corporations, and individuals who help Holy Angels’ achieve their mission.