Playaz & Playettes, Inc. (PPI) is a grass roots 501[c][3] non-profit charitable artistic educational corporation located in Shreveport, Louisiana’s historic low income community of Ledbetter Heights, also known as “The Bottom.”. Our organization was formed in 1997 within the Ledbetter Heights community. Ron Hardy has served as Executive Director since conception. Our mission as adopted by the board is: “Playaz and Playettes, Inc. exist to enhance the growth and development of our undeserved, low-income residents of Shreveport, LA through art and education. In 2004 we were awarded the prestigious Governors Art Award for “Outstanding Small Arts Organization in the State of Louisiana” from the Louisiana Division of the Arts. We received the “Unsung Hero’s Award” at the 2005 Faith Based Grass Roots Community Conference in Bossier City. We received “An Expression of Commendation from the Louisiana State House of Representatives” in 2002 for our community services as well as numerous local recognitions for our work. Playaz and Playettes Inc adopted the mission statement as follows: “Playaz and Playettes, Inc. exist to enhance the growth and development of our undeserved, low-income residents of Shreveport, La. through art and education. We are committed to the youth, as well as adults, of today for our future. We are dedicated to the financial empowerment of our community. We believe that the development and implementation of ideas and programs by the people and for the people is a step towards empowerment and self-sufficiency.” Through several innovative and diverse workshops, programs and festivals we hope to pioneer a pathway of possibilities, encouragement and hope to many in our community. We hold steadfast and accept as true the old, but not forgotten, proverbs “It takes a village to raise a child” and that “If you give a man a fish you will feed him for only one day; if you teach a man how to fish you will feed him for a lifetime”.