View as Webpage

Gulf Coast Social Services

Serving the most vulnerable people in South & Central Louisiana for more than 40 years

CEO Corner:  Improving & Changing Lives in the Community

I’m Hannah Morace, the Regional Director at our Alexandria location, and I’ve been with Gulf Coast Social Services since 2021. With over 10 years of experience in non-profit social service agencies, much of my career has been in leadership roles. In my position, I oversee all program management and growth, but what I love most is building and strengthening relationships with community members, employees, and those we serve.

I truly believe that the services we provide at Gulf Coast are making Louisiana communities healthier and stronger every day. As an employee, I have the opportunity to empower individuals to improve their quality of life and live as independently as possible in Central Louisiana.

In my free time, I love outdoor activities with my husband and

our four kids, and when I’m not cheering them on at sports or driving them to events, I enjoy reading and watching HGTV.

I look forward to connecting with you if you are in the Alexandria Community.

I’m Dorde Pajic, an Area Supervisor at Gulf Coast Social Services in Lake Charles and an aspiring psychologist. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy and dedicated to enhancing the quality of care in our community. Helping others is my mission, and I strive to create a supportive environment for both clients and staff. I know firsthand how transformative compassionate care can be in people’s lives.

At GCSS, I believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect. By working together, we can build a stronger, more caring community for all.

In my free time, I enjoy making music and exploring synthesizers, performing live, practicing street photography, and spending as much time as possible in nature.

I look forward to connecting with you if you are in the Lake Charles Community.

I’m Brandy Lirette, the Regional Director for Gulf Coast Services in the Houma Region. With 18 years as a licensed nurse and a Master’s Degree in Non-Profit Administration from Louisiana State University, I joined Gulf Coast Social Services to make a meaningful impact on at-risk youth, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. 

Working here is incredibly rewarding and has opened doors for a lifelong career dedicated to improving our community. For over 40 years, we’ve served South Louisiana through a variety of programs, and I’m committed to continuing that important work for those who need us most.

In my free time, I love trying new recipes, hosting football watch parties, swimming, and bowling, while enjoying life with my two adopted adult children, my new grandbaby and my four dogs.

I look forward to connecting with you if you are in the Houma Community.

I’m Brenda Melancon, the Lafayette Regional Director, and I’ve dedicated 37 years to Gulf Coast Social Services. My journey began with my own experiences as a recipient of social services, shaped by numerous surgeries from a young age. These challenges led me to work with various professionals like speech therapists and doctors, helping me understand the importance of support. Initially aiming to become a veterinarian, my path shifted after starting a family. I’m proud that my children have pursued careers in service—my older daughter is a physical therapist, my second daughter is a pediatrician, and my son is passionate about sports.

As my children grew more independent, I began volunteering at their school and through Girl Scouts, where I met my first supervisor at Gulf Coast, encouraged to apply, I started as an office secretary and lifeguard at a home for dually diagnosed men. I loved helping individuals with disabilities learn skills for independent living. Over the years, I’ve worked to enhance our Lafayette office, expanding services into Alexandria and Lake Charles. I’m deeply committed to our mission at GCSS, supporting those who are often overlooked in our fast-paced world. 

In my free time, I enjoy traveling to see my three adult children and six grandkids, reading on my patio, taking long walks, and exploring lakes, beaches, and mountains, while dreaming of visiting Italy.

I look forward to connecting with you if you are in the Lafayette Community.

I’m Alvanisha Ford, the Regional Director for Gulf Coast Social Services in Baton Rouge. I hold a Master of Arts in Sociology with a focus on Criminology from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Capella University. My journey began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from Southern University at New Orleans. I love promoting a positive environment and challenging my team to find innovative solutions to setbacks. GCSS resonates with me because of its mission to empower and support all those we serve.

Giving back to the community has always been important to me, and I find great fulfillment in being a servant leader. At GCSS, we genuinely care about the individuals and communities we serve, and our commitment to advocacy is evident in our daily work. If you believe in helping underserved individuals improve their quality of life, I encourage you to connect with GCSS so we can make a difference together.

In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, dancing, singing, playing soccer, reading, listening to podcasts, and volunteering with my sorority and church while enjoying every moment with my daughter.

I look forward to connecting with you if you are in the Baton Rouge Community.

I’m Jeff Kurtz, the Regional Director for the New Orleans and Hammond offices. After graduating from LSU with a degree in Mass Communication, I started my career as a newspaper columnist but felt drawn to social services. My positive interactions with GCSS while working as the Director of Supported Employment inspired me to join the team. I’ve held various roles, starting as the Home and Community-Based Services Program Coordinator and eventually becoming Regional Director in 2019.

I love working at GCSS because of the amazing people I get to interact with daily. Everyone here is passionate about their work, and it’s rewarding to see our clients feel valued and happy. I believe in giving back, as we all need help at some point. GCSS supports a wide range of individuals, from abandoned children to veterans, and partnering with us truly brings hope and stability to our community.

In my free time, I enjoy going to New Orleans Festivals, concerts, LSU/Saints/Pelicans games, and playing guitar.



I look forward to connecting with you if you are in the New Orleans or Hammond Community.

I have found among its many benefits; Giving Liberates the Soul of the Giver...

Connect with us! View as Webpage