LEEP: Leaders in Education, Empowerment and Purpose

www.lower9thwardvillage.org

2008-07-27T10:39:00.003-07:00

As "The Village" becomes a powerful force in its own right, LEEP and its members continue to be involved in many aspects of fund raising and program development. At this time, we invite you to channel your web-browser to http://www.lower9thwardvillage.org/ to donate to this incredible project. Their sister-site blog http://www.lower9thwardvillage.blogspot.com/ has listings of activities and progress being made at The Village.

LEEP continues to support "The Village", but as one of many incredible groups of dedicated individuals. Our specific works are mighty cogs in a much greater wheel that is "The Village".

Building and supporting this blog was a gift of love and learning. The LEEP group is forever in my heart, holding a special place of caring and love.

With love,

Sheila K

Fasten Your Seatbelts...The Village is TAKING OFF!

2008-05-07T18:13:00.002-07:00

Angie reports that volunteers are beginning to put up interior walls according to the architectural plans. Amazing. Mack and Dar are very excited. Mack says that the Village is really starting to look like a great new part of the Community. He sounds like a proud Papa! Mack is heading up to New York to put up a display at a conference about non-profit service projects. This is a great opportunity to spread awareness. There are many many possibilities for great things to happen from this trip. This opportunity arose like a miracle out of contacts that are coming in every day to the Village. If you are anything like me, you are just amazed that it happened and can't wait to hear more about it.

Some students at the University of Tennessee held a concert featuring musicians from New Orleans and raised $750. The check is on the way. Isn't it wonderful how the students are making such a huge contribution to the entire recovery effort?

There is an expectation that this summer will see a large influx of returning residents. Conditions within the Lower 9th have reached a point that families will return in May and June when their children have completed school. They will need a lot of assistance to get reestablished for the start of school in September. To prepare for this, Acorn, Common Ground, Katrina Corps, Rebuilding Together and other volunteer organizations are meeting together with Mack to coordinate their efforts. Much of this effort will be centered at the Village. Additionally, there will be a need for programs for the children.

Teresa’s mission group will be at the Village from May 31 to June 7. Her group has raised $6700 for the Village. All of this money will be used at the Village. They are each paying their own travel expenses. They plan on holding children’s bible study in the mornings and a program for the elderly. They are intending on concentrating on completing the art room. This will help meet one of the needs for children’s programs for the summer. They are also planning on a community barbecue at the end of their trip. The largest part of the fundraising came from a Bingo with Longenberger baskets as the prizes. The church has a policy that they will not support games of chance so getting support for this fundraiser was quite an accomplishment. Teresa bought the baskets with her own money and had the congregation sponsor basket purchases later. She says that this type of fundraiser is very possible in other areas as well. Six years ago, Teresa started a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. This mission trip has become an annual event. It is possible that the trip to the Lower 9th may become an annual event also. The number of team members has increased from 9 to 12. This includes one member who told Teresa that he is in awe of her leadership. I am also in awe at this accomplishment. If there ever was to be an example of what leadership is all about, this would be perfect. She has used every leadership technique that we were taught in creating an incredible result. Please acknowledge this accomplishment. Well done, Teresa!

Mission trips not only bring much needed immediate help, they also ripple out to others as the mission participants bring the message of need to others. Earlier this year, Tami White, a teacher in California came to New Orleans on a mission trip with her 13 year old son. She was shocked to see the devastation that still existed nearly 3 years after the flood. She is leading a drive for her students to obtain backpacks with school supplies for the fall for students living in the Lower 9th.

(Thanks go to John R for his reporting!)

Basketballs, Movies and Computers!!!

2008-03-28T18:33:00.002-07:00

From John R...one of our fearless LEEP Leaders!

The Village is already having an impact on the community. It is a focal point where volunteer groups like Elder Hostel and Historic Green can gather, do volunteer work at the Village and go out into the community and do volunteer work in the community. In addition to attracting volunteers to the Village, it is serving to attract volunteers to the community as well. It is really looking good with its fresh paint, clean grounds and new landscaping.

There are also two new exciting developments at the Village that will be able to provide services and benefit to the community.

Firstly and very simply, lines have been painted on one end of the floor and a basketball net has been obtained so that people can have a place to shoot baskets. This has already been used and will immediately be able to attract youth to the Village. It is a place where the youth can gather to do something positive for themselves.

Secondly, Common Ground has installed 10 computers and provided internet connections in the Computer Lab. This will provide new connections from the community to the outside world and provide a place where children can do homework and school assignments. It creates amazing opportunities for people to learn new skills, make connections to their relatives and neighbors who have been displaced, look for work, connect to government services and many other empowering activities.

(Thanks to John for his tireless efforts on behalf of LEEP and The Village)

An Invitation to Serve

2008-03-10T04:40:00.002-07:00

YOU'RE INVITED TO JOIN ME IN NEW ORLEANS

FOR A MISSION TRIP TO BE IN SERVICE TO THE FAMILIES OF THE LOWER NINTH WARD COMMUNITY

MAY 31st 2008- JUNE 7th 2008

R.S.V.P. REQUESTED BY 3/12/08 to Teresa at:
Teresabear1958@comcast.net

Please stand with me as a LEADER and the mission team I've created as we go to the Lower 9th Ward to work, play, and build relationships with the people in the community. As a great team of leaders we have been doing so much for the community, now I want to go be with the families there and let them see through us that there is hope and that they are not alone. We will be working at the Village, in the community, and hosting after school programs for the children at the center.

To support Troy and his mission, we will be staying at his mission house, which holds 20 people and I intend to pack the house!!!! E-mail me today to reserve your spot before they're all gone.

I am going on this trip as Teresa Barrett the worthy, compassionate woman that I am, longing to reach out and give hugs to the Lower Ninth Ward people. I hope that you come and share this experience with me.
Blessings,
Teresa

Historic Green Project at the Village!

2008-03-09T11:32:00.005-07:00

The Historic Green project is commencing March 8 and will continue until March 23. This is a national group that is committed to restoring historic communities and buildings in an environmentally way. They have a group of 500 volunteers who will be working around the Lower 9th Ward. The headquarters for the project will be at the Village.

We will have a projector for showing Lorrie's presentation (see links to the right to view here!) and other videos. We will also have Tree of Growth brochures. Think of the power of this event. Obviously it is an important fundraising opportunity but also 500 people will hear our message and carry it around the community and around the country.

During this time, MOVIE NIGHT will happen! It will go on in two areas simultaneously, one area for children and one area for adults and youth. This is the first regularly scheduled program to be offered by the Village. What a great opportunity to see all of the work of LEEP and everyone who has donated to this project at work!

Thanks to all of the folks who helped to make MOVIE NIGHT happen! And to John R., who has been working tirelessly to lead the leaders of LEEP. Organizing phone calls and orchestrating volunteers from across the country is a cat herding job at best. John makes it look easy (we all know it isn't!) and does it with style and inspires all of us.

What's Up at the Village?

2008-02-27T16:18:00.007-07:00

LEEP has been working to create a MOVIE NIGHT at the Village. Our goal is to have the first movie shown on March 15th. We have had a projection system donated, as well as several movies. We still need a VCR player and a DVD player. We have several cash donations and the hunt for a real popcorn machine is ongoing as well!

This will be a great event and we would like to see this become a monthly event for the community to come together. What a great evening of fun. Popcorn & movies! If you'd like to help out, please contact us via this blog, donate on the "PayPal" button to the right or send a check to the Finance Chairman (listed on the right)!

I have to tell a little side story (as usual)! When I was younger (can't remember the exact year), I begged my mom to see "Gone With The Wind" (and no, it wasn't in 1939...) She finally relented and I was off to my hometown theater to see Scarlett and Rhett together...ah the romance of it all! I was really enjoying the movie until the burning of Atlanta. For some reason no longer in my memory, that scene really scared me and I left the theater, running home to avoid it! My mom talked to me about this and I ended up back the next day to sit through the entire movie all by myself!

How many times have we looked forward to something only to be frightened that it didn't happen the way we expected? Even as adults we have expectations that don't pan out. Returning to face our fears isn't always easy, but it is necessary to progress and grow. Even if we face our fears and THEN leave, at least we have taken the steps needed to face the fear and move on.

LEEP wants to help families return to the Lower Ninth Ward. Imagine how scary that must be...at any age! Assisting the Village to provide services for children and families in this neighborhood is one way to help get people back and hopefully for them to stay! Whatever you can do to help us reach this goal is much appreciated. (Sheila K)

Proud? Dang Straight

2008-02-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

If you haven't looked at the photos lately (and even if you have!) you'll be AMAZED at what a bulldozer and several thousand dollars of trees will do for a place. After the painting week spent by the Scranton Gang (thanks Shannon!) I couldn't picture the "what's next". Check out the pictures just posted today (2/7) to see the results. (And again...thanks to Dar for her photography...this place is NOTHING without pictures!)

WOW...a bulldozer comes in, levels the yard, makes a REAL ditch on the side of the building, sprinkle in a liberal dose of trees and WOOOO HOOOO. It's gorgeous!

What is next? If you've been watching our progress, you know that this is a seriously intense endeavor of volunteers and dedicated professionals working to make a difference in an area that has been ignored for too long.

Tax-deductible donations are still being accepted to continue the renovation of the building to BEcome the VILLAGE. Click on the PayPal button or send a check to the address on the right. Remember, it's tax time...give your money to a GREAT cause!

Progress in LEEPS and Bounds!

2008-01-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Please look at the latest photo album in our photo collection...Such PROGRESS! A group of students from Scranton University spent a week at the Village working on painting and other projects. It is INCREDIBLE what was achieved during that week.

The Seafood boil at the Village looked yummy AND the Scranton students put on a boil of their own. I'm sure that process will be repeated up north from the looks of the satisfied diners!

Have a great week!
Sheila K

Progress Report

2008-01-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

If you click on the Progress in Pictures link to the right (under links), you'll be able to see the latest photos from the work site. What a difference 4 months can make!!! The roof is complete. The windows are complete. The inside is DRY!!!

There is a Seafood Boil fundraiser happening on Saturday January 12th, and based on the food we ate on work day, you don't want to miss it!!!

Date: Saturday, January 12th, 2008
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Place: The Lower 9th Ward Village
1001 Charbonnet St
Price: $10/plate

For more info, call 504-799-8975

Request of You???

2007-12-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

(From Angie H-Field Operation Manager)

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to send this email out for a couple of reasons. Firstly to say thank you for everyones continued particapation. Secondly to let everyone know that the holidays are here and it is very easy to put aside our project but to please keep in mind that things are still moving along at the Village. I will be in Florida from the 22nd until the 30th of Dec. but I am choosing to contiue what Ive been doing from the very beginning. I chose to send this to everyone because it seems that fear and doubt has entered the hearts and minds of our members. It seems that the ? of how has been re-entered into our organization.

I have to admit that that has crossed my mind from time to time but Leadership has taught me that in order to be a leader I have to keep moving forward no matter what gets in the way. The people of New Orleans have doubt and how cross there mind everyday because of organizations, the Government, buisiness people, and anyone that has given up or just threw there hands in the air because of things that got in there way. We wondered for the reason the people were so hard to come on board, well we are faced with that exact reason.

We knew that things were not easy and they were very challenging. We have had several road blocks and had to go around or cross over them several times. We were not worried about the how. We now have a perfect opportunity to see where we are and move forward. We are where we are and sometimes,well alot of times, we have to make changes in the way we move forward. Things that work we continue, thiings that don't we change and we learn from those things.

There was a powerful request made from Mack that we collect $1,000.00 in 33 days last week. What is stopping you from doing so? We've all made declarations and for the most part we have done very well. We agreed to continue, where are you in that agreement? There is no right or wrong. No need for finger pointing. We are Leaders and we take a stand to be in our excellence. If you choose not to agree, great, stand in your excellence and answer to the request.

I am getting emails from different people, organizations and getting calls. We are getting noticed. New Orleans is finally trusting that we are going to do what it takes. There are volunteers at the center everyday looking for our lead. Who is committed?

I am making another powerful request on behalf of The Village that we continue to be "Maniacs on a Mission" and pull together as we have in the past and do our very personal best in raising each $1,000.00 by January 6th 2008.I am making a more powerful request to include the coaches, Barbara, and Kelly in this but by January 12th. I know we can. Put aside your beliefs of how you feel thing should look and how things should be ran, If you feel you have experties in having the way things are running,run a little smoother, than please come forward and offer to help.

As Field Operation Manager I am in admittance that I have never done anything on such a large scale especially for non-profit. We have great individualls doing things at service everyday to make sure things happen. Most of which have never done this type of work before. We are in learning everyday and are very excited with the new results everyday. Everytime when we are in breakdown(almost everyday) and we work through that breakdown, we grow and so does the center and everyone involved.

I cannot wait to see our results in the end!

We're Baaaaaaaaack

2007-12-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

First of all...TWO NEW PHOTO Albums in our Collection...follow link to the right!

The Leadership (LEEP) Team spent the weekend together in New Orleans last weekend (Dec 1&2). WOW. What a powerful group! Friday was a work day at the Village and we scraped, swept, pulled, tugged, hauled (ate gumbo and turkey necks), then cut, mounted, glued and secured the building. By the time we left, the building was mostly secured...new acrylic windows (donated by Lowe's). It was truly a beautiful thing to see so many people working to bring our project to fruition.

Kristopher and Leslie G provided the first program at the Village, a self-defense and safety class, with two sessions presented during the week/weekend. There are already seminars scheduled for the Village in the New Year. The nearby Emergency Center closed during the weekend and donated the balance of their supplies, materials and VOLUNTEER list to LEEP and the Village.

The press showed up during the day and there were "blurbs" on both Channels 4 & 8 about our work and the Village. It was Mack's birthday, and several cakes were presented. Angie had a beautiful rendering of the Village as it should look on completion.

The roofing contractor was on-site powerwashing the roof and getting it ready to repair. I will post my pictures this weekend, as well as those that have been sent to the team. Mine include pictures of the roof...WIDE OPEN to the sky!

I could definitely "see" kids playing basketball on the court, and we got to see the floor samples for the basketball court. My wedding reception was in a "town hall" in a small town in Nebraska, so it was almost like "OLD HOME WEEK" for me...that building in Nebraska was a focal point for the small community around it (pop. 60!) For the community around the Village, this place will be such a blessing and a focal point for them.

Tyrone S spoke over the weekend about how a former community center played a very important role in his and Mack's childhoods. I'm sure all of us can think of places and people that helped us navigate childhood as well. It's a full circle, "pay it forward" project for many of us.

Thanks for being part of our success!

Don't forget to LOOK RIGHT!

2007-11-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

There are lots of links of interest on the right. You can read the Times-Picayune article of 11/13, make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal and order LEEP Merchandise just by clicking on the links you see to the right.

Countdown to November 30...What's it About?

2007-11-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

From Angie:

I am also making a powerful request to DWIT (Do What It Takes) to be in N.O. November 30th to help in the building process. This is including the coaches! I am working very hard to make sure that we have a press release and live T.V. to help with further enrollement. It is also Mack's birthday November 30th! What a great B.D. present! Cake anyone? I want everyone to have a piece of his B.D. cake.

**********************Details***********************

The work party will begin at about 10:00 a.m. The press release and unveiling is at 11:00 a.m. (CST). We have all of the supplies for windows from Lowe's. There will be different duties that the windows jobs will need. Kind of like an assembly line.

We want to thank everyone for making the effort to pull together and help on the 30th. I really did mean D.W.I.T. when I sent out the request the first time about the 30th event. There is plenty of time to make the arrangements.Can't wait for everyone to arrive! It is going to be fabulous!!!! Mack is looking forward to this. We all are looking forward to this!!!

Thanksgiving Meditation...

2007-11-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

It's only 13 days until most of the LEEP team will be able to get together at the worksite for a LEEP work day. And the next day begins our 2nd weekend of Leadership Training!!!

In between, now and then falls a holiday that means a lot to me. Thanksgiving. Sure, the turkey dinner ROCKS (for everyone but the turkey!) but it's a day that always causes me to reflect on what I have been given, what I have earned and what I have given away...There is such prosperity in our lives, and yet we often hoard instead of help.

I've been reading about some of the founders of the microcredit industry and it really amazes me to think that the $4 I might spend for a latte at Starbucks tomorrow could fund an entire start-up industry somewhere in the world!

I grew up in a small Nebraska town. By the time we were in high school, we often felt trapped and sorry for ourselves. Looking back as an adult, I see how lucky we were. Not only were we surrounded by an entire town of people that cared for and about us, but we had activities and destinations that lots of kids in the same-sized towns only wished for: movie theater, bowling alley, swimming pool, etc. We had a terrific football team (Go Bears!) and community events that brought us together.

In 1953, a tornado blew through my hometown. Although I was not yet born, I heard the stories all my life...the courthouse lost its decorative 3rd floor, the high school was destroyed, even the church I grew up in was reduced to rubble. By the time I was growing up, it was all back...better than ever. Larger, stronger and full of the people who helped make it come back. The town did not die because of a strong gust of wind. Within a few weeks, all was back to normal. Buildings were being rebuilt and the community, as well as members of neighboring towns, rallied behind those who lost property.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina blew through a good portion of the South. Some lost no more than a good nights sleep (or two)...but many lost everything, including hundreds who lost their lives. For those left behind, loss of loved ones, property, jobs and their community was devastating. Regardless of your position on the help provided by the government and others, the fact remains...it hasn't been enough to complete the healing.

People make the difference in New Orleans. No one person can do everything that needs to be done to make this community a whole and healthy one. Some would say that the community was not a whole and healthy one before Katrina. No matter the BEFORE, we work to help create the AFTER. The Lower 9th Ward Village Community Center is set to be a place for families to BE with one another. This is the basis for community, and the purpose of the Village is COMMUNITY.

As you carve your turkey, ham or tofurkey this coming Thursday, take a moment to BE thankful for what you have. For this day, forget what you might not have, and be thankful for the blessings that surround you. And think about how you can impact the world around you...one person, one dollar, one hour at a time. A wall may cost hundreds of dollars, but the dollar YOU donate pays for a handful of nails. No nails, no walls. Everyone is a contribution to those around them...help us be a contribution for the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans!

...Sheila K

Veteran's Day Work Weekend

2007-11-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Reported by Rita B, a LEEP member:

Dana, the two friends she enrolled - Laura and Sandy, and I were in New Orleans to work. We all grew from our experience and the people we met. When I first saw the building, I was shocked. I thought about the daunting task before us. Then we dug in together, sharing words, tools, and energy. Being there also made me realize that we are all part of the Field Operations. Without each and everyone of us working on the building, it will take longer for programs to have a home. Without walls, there will be no place for the Tree of Growth. We all have had wonderful ideas and created plans to implement them once the building is ready, but creating the space for the programs is a leap created for LEEP.

This past week amazing actions have brought in funds. In the next week, let's see just how much money we can bring in to RAISE THE ROOF!!!

Saturday Dana, Sandy, Laura and I were so grateful to talk to Shawn at Lowes because Lowes is contributing enough acrylic plexiglass for 400 windows. The materials, including the plexiglass and putty, had to be ordered and will be available next weekend and Lowes is DONATING it ALL. With over $5,000 worth of materials coming next weekend, one giant hurdle toward weather-proofing will be closer to completion. The next step is the cutting and installation of the sheets in the 400 panes.

Sunday morning we shared worship at Original Morning Star. My experience of Tyrone at the first weekend was that of a quiet, gentle man. Sunday morning Tyrone was a dynamic, energetic, filled-with-the-spirit presence. He asked me to come forward and gave me a basket. He told his congregation about LEEP and what we were doing there and asked them to come forward in generosity. AND THEY DID. The members of Original Morning Star contributed $645.86 in a matter of a couple of minutes. It was so powerful. They were so willing to give their funds. And, we got lots of hugs after the service. Oh, and Tyrone is a fast learner. He listened to lessons and stories (the good kind) that Dar told and he adapted them and added them to his Sunday message. Dar may have an unexpected new line of work assisting pastors with sermons. We may not know the impact we have, but I experienced Dar's words having an impact through Tyrone on the entire congregation and who knows who they will touch. LEEP is out there in the universe!

Volunteers from the Emergency Center were there Sunday with us. The architect was there measuring and getting the information she needs to create the plans for the city. We were a pretty dirty bunch at the end of the day, and we had created piles of conduit and wiring that will go to scrap/recycle for additional funds. Tyrone had come after church and was tearing conduit out, too. Dar was there attacking the conduits and then took time to get a refreshing beverage for the group. If you ever need conduit or wire pulled, Dana, Laura, Sandy, and I are the gals to call for sure! All-in-all, it was a very productive weekend.

We drove around the neighborhood before we went to the mission. There was still devastation but there was also renewal. The sight that impressed me the most was two boys about 10 years old playing basketball outside on a small 6' patch of concrete surrounded by weeds. I could see them at the Village enjoying a full basketball court with real hoops. I could see them as magical children bringing back special moments of childhood. Can you see it too? Imagine what the Village will mean to them.

Where We Are???

2007-11-10T14:57:00.001-07:00

The weekend of Nov 10-12 is Veteran's Day weekend, but also a big work weekend at the Village. Some folks are coming in from out of town and the Times-Picayune newspaper has expressed an interest in coming to take photos and run a story. WOW.

We have money in hand from our PayPal link (and YOU CAN TOO!) visible here on the right hand side.

We hope to have new photos of the progress made early next week after the big work weekend.

Two more weeks until the entire LEEP team reconvenes in New Orleans and goes to see how the project is coming along. Based on a recent poll, over 50% of our LEEP team will continue working on this project until it is complete...with a goal of March 31, 2008!!!

Vickie Shares The Effects of Angie's Friday Night Call...

2007-11-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

On Friday night during our phone call with Angie and Tyrone, I was having dinner with my family, celebrating my little guys 13th birthday at a restaurant here in town. At this point felt very overwhelmed, drained, frustrated and ready to give up with the Community Center.

I connected to the conference call, announced myself them muted, not knowing what I was going to hear and hoping it would be over fast. When Angie began to speak and I heard her tone, I sat up straight and my heart began beating faster. Listening to Angie and Tyrone share there story brought me to tears, everyone around me thought I had just received bad news, but little did they know what I was hearing had touched my heart, and was what I needed to hear to keep going in this journey.

After the call ended, I noticed a group of Firefighters sitting to the left of me, I then turned and asked them to help me and without hesitation they said of course. I gave them a brochure and explained briefly what we were doing and why. It so happened that the person in charge of Charities was sitting amongst these fine gentlemen (no accident), he then handed me a card and said "I will be in contact!" A little after hanging up on our call, I was sharing with my husband what was shared on the call, my little guy turns to me and says "Mom, take my allowance I want to help".

Thank you Angie and Tyrone, and Team Leaders, I will complete this journey!

Respectfully,
Vickie O
(Vickie is another terrific LEEP team member)

Why Lower Ninth Ward Village?

2007-11-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Angie H. is one of the valued members of our LEEP team. This past Friday night, she asked us to join a conference call so she could speak to the power of this project. Here is what we learned on the call:

Angie was recently asked by Ward (the building owner), "If you could go back to time prior to the first weekend of Leadership, before this project started, would you?" Angie said she would not in spite of challenges, that she loves what she is doing and will continue.

Ward said that if the people of New Orleans could go back to a time prior to Katrina, they would…for the lives they had. They do not wish for the negatives back, but for their families, friends, and the lives they shared.

Angie shared that Ward still lives in a FEMA trailer next to his still ruined home. He saw something else for New Orleans and decided to use the funds he had available to purchase the Village building because he had seen the structure and declared he would do something bigger for the people of the Lower Ninth Ward. Within weeks of the building purchase, LEEP had entered his vision as an answer to his prayers. He had watched for two years as people slowly come back to still see devastation in the Lower Ninth Ward.

The other day about ten kids had come by the Village and asked what it would be. Ward showed them and shared his vision of what the interior would be. They were excited to know there would be a basketball court, a kitchen, and other rooms. The kids want a place where they can have fun and laugh again, a place where their parents can come and have fun, too. Every day they see their destroyed homes and neighborhood, but they still see a future and have hope for life in New Orleans. Ward would like LEEP to stay part of the Village. There is passion there for all.

Tyrone S, another LEEP member, who resides in New Orleans shared that the elders can assist the young in creating hope for new days. The Village is for families to build their lives again, a place for parents to gather with their children. The Village is the place that will create opportunities for young and old and touch lives beyond the building.

Angie asked those on the phone call to think about their work on the Village as a mission not only "on purpose", but "on passion"...a passion to help continue the work that is so desperately needed in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Let's Get BUSY!!!

2007-11-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Volunteers working on removing ceiling materials. Masks are required because of the drywall dust!

Ward "Mack" McClendon using a crowbar to remove ceiling material.

Thanks to Dar for the photos!

The Word is OUT!

2007-10-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

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.