The Word is OUT!

In New Orleans, there is a shell of a building where the dream of a community center already exists. This is The Lower 9th Ward Village Community Center. A group of committed individuals-known as LEEP-have accepted the challenge to support making this dream a reality. When it is complete, it will provide space for groups to engage in recreation, life skills training, education and counseling. Our goal is to obtain the bulk of the funding and have plans in hand by the end of 2007. Local groups are already mobilizing to provide programs suited to the needs of the area.

How YOU Can Help
Our goal is to make the dream of a community center a reality. This is an incredibly exciting project and we’d like to invite you to join us on the journey!. Sponsorship can take many forms, such as direct financial donations, sponsorship of specific items, and donation of products, services or time. Estimates are that the initial building and program creation will require over $100,000. It is a tiny fraction of what it would cost to build a community center from the ground up. The costs are low because the building and land already exist and because volunteers are stepping forward to provide labor, materials and monetary donations. Program continuation will require ongoing funds. YOU can be one of those valuable volunteers.

Materials and Donations in Kind
Building materials, office supplies, kitchen equipment, musical instruments, playground and recreation equipment, books and educational material...the list of needed materials is endless. Food for volunteers during the rebuilding process and later for program participants will be useful as well. Please call our Fundraising Chair to tell her where you can be of assistance in this area.

Sweat Equity
Having a building is just half the battle. Many hours of work are needed to bring the building up to code and renovated to serve the community. If you are interested in volunteering with LEEP to clean and renovate the building, please contact Angie Hollier at 337-278-2848.

Tree of Growth
A Tree of Growth will be displayed in the entryway of the Community Center. For as little as $125 (to $175) your name or the name of someone you wish to honor or remember will be placed on a Tree of Growth leaf. For a donation of $250-$1000, that same name will appear on a rock, placed at the base of the Tree of Growth to symbolize strength and support. Your tax-deductible Tree of Growth donation or further information can be made through John Ryan, 803-419-4083.

Room Sponsorship
For donations starting at $10,000, a room in the Community Center will be named for the sponsoring organization or individual, with appropriate signage and recognition in print materials. Contact the Fundraising Chair for more information.