After eight years of serving young adults in Natchitoches, Ben D. Johnson Educational (BDJ) Center has decided to close its doors this month due to federal funding cuts.
On Aug. 13, the BDJ Center announced its closure in a Facebook post. “Our Board has had to make the heart-wrenching decision to close the BDJ Center effective September 30, 2025.”
The post explained that the BDJ Center is working closely to connect its staff and students with other opportunities.
Lutrill Payne, a former beneficiary of the BDJ Center, reacted to the closure and shared how the BDJ Center impacted his life in a positive way, gave him direction and helped him regain his confidence.
“The organization has positively impacted countless lives, and I am lucky to be one of them. The closing of the educational center is very sad for the community,” Payne said. “Life is full of transitions, and this program helped me face life with confidence and a sense of purpose.”
Claire Prymus, founder and board president, explained that the organization’s closure is due to the loss of federal funding because of the One Big Beautiful Bill that was passed in July 2025.
“Our two major funders were the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Louisiana Department of Child Support Enforcement (CSE). Both of those are federally funded programs that were cut, and we cannot remain in business without these funders,” Prymus said.
The BDJ Center was founded in honor of Prymus’ late uncle, Ben D. Johnson. According to the organization’s website, during the 1960s, Johnson held one of the largest minority-owned enterprises in Louisiana. Johnson was a philanthropist and believed in Natchitoches, where he built a ballpark, boxing club and continuously gave back to First Baptist Church.
The BDJ Center has offered assistance for young adults through programs designed to help individuals reach their full potential. The nonprofit works with young adults ages 16 to 24, providing life and training skills and industrial readiness courses.
“Knowing that the community’s need for a safe place to grow, learn, and connect will not vanish just because funding has disappeared makes this even harder. For the past eight years, your support has allowed us to change lives, nurture dreams, and strengthen our community, and for that, we are deeply grateful,” the Facebook post stated.
Kierra Jackson, program manager, discussed that the BDJ Center offered classes such as résumé writing, interview skills, anger management and even provided clothing for professional work interviews.
The BDJ Center even provided Payne and many Natchitoches community members with the resources to get forklift and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certified.
“At the educational center we provide workforce development training to individuals who lack the skills to get a job or individuals who have barriers to employment,” Jackson said. “It is so rewarding seeing people come in here broken and disheartened, then leaving with full confidence in themselves to go out and get a job.”
The closing of the BDJ Center, that instilled confidence, opportunity and purpose, will leave a significant gap for young adults in the Natchitoches community.
