The Greater North Louisiana Community Development Corporation (GNLCDC) will host its 14th Annual “First Things First: Making a Difference” Breakfast on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center, located at 182 Industrial Drive, Jonesboro, Louisiana.
Breakfast service will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program at 9:00 a.m. The theme for this year’s event is “Back with New Beginnings.”
This annual breakfast is the premier fundraising event for GNLCDC and has, for more than fourteen years, featured nationally and regionally respected inspirational speakers serving communities across the organization’s six-parish service area.
The 2026 keynote speaker will be Reverend Dr. Aill R. Harris, Jr., Organizer and Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Dr. Harris holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University in Shreveport.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, he is an accomplished songwriter, musician, and vocalist, with two solo projects and the author of two books. He has more than 37 years of preaching experience and is married to Lisa Ann Harris.
Together they have four children.
In addition to the keynote address, the event will include a silent auction to support GNLCDC scholarship initiatives. The 2026 event chairperson is Minister Janice Gray.
Founded in 2000, GNLCDC experienced program interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic but is actively restoring and expanding its services. These include scholarships, back-to-school initiatives, summer arts programs, business training, and other community-focused services. The organization’s housing program continued uninterrupted throughout the pandemic.
The public is invited to attend the First Things First: Making a Difference Breakfast. For ticket information or details about this and other GNLCDC programs, please call 318-533-7811 or
504-460-6804