In This Issue

Catholic Charities receives Charity Navigator’s Highest Rating

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans recently received a 4 out of 4 star rating by Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator which highlights the fine work of efficient, ethical and open charities. This exceptional rating is given to select organizations that exhibit outstanding fiscal management and a dedication to accountability and transparency. We are proud to offer professional and compassionate care to those we serve!

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The Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA) is our annual volunteer-driven fundraising campaign. The AHCA is led by Archbishop Gregory Aymond and the 2013 Chair, JT Hannan. Here’s our latest update! We’ve raised 58% of our goal!

Thank you for your prayers and support as our volunteers continue to advocate for our services in the community! To learn more about the AHCA, click here or check out our new AHCA video!

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SAVE THE DATE

On February 8 & 9, the second collection at all Masses in the Archdiocese of New Orleans will support Catholic Charities! Please mark your calendars and give generously!

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We offer many ways to give. CLICK HERE to explore our giving options. Thank you for your support

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Respecting the dignity and potential of each human person, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans collaborates with the wider community to serve those in need. Impelled by the love and teaching of Jesus Christ, we offer life-giving programs, advocate for the voiceless, and empower the poor and vulnerable to foster a more just society.

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The Gift of Service

The holidays are here and as we look forward to the excitement and joy that this season and the coming new year bring, we take a moment to give thanks for the gift of service that we are blessed to be part of at Catholic Charities.

Here are a few highlights from our programs:

• 1100 + individuals and families are being assisted with Hurricane Isaac recovery needs through the Disaster Case Management Program.
• St. John Head Start recently celebrated the addition of two new classrooms that allow for an additional 40 students to receive a “Head Start”.
• Seventy-five Foster Grandparents celebrated a year of service at their annual luncheon in November.
• More than 70 client families received food baskets for Thanksgiving provided by generous community groups, schools and donors.
• Forty-five clients are receiving comprehensive medical case management through Health Guardians.
• Twenty-six youth with an incarcerated parent are receiving support and guidance through the Cornerstone Builders Mentor Program.

We are a gift to one another when we open our hearts to those in need. As you gather with you loved ones this holiday season, please pray for those in ministry who continue to provide care and support to the most needy and vulnerable, especially at this time of year.

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Give from the Heart this Christmas!

Stressed out by holiday shopping? Check off those people on your shopping list and give a gift from the heart by supporting a ministry of Catholic Charities through our Holiday Wish List! For just $20, you can make a difference in the lives of those in need and send a message that extends the true meaning of the season to your loved ones. Make a gift in the name of a loved one and we’ll let them know you gave from the heart in their honor! Check out our Wish List and give a gift that gives back!

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Amerigroup Partners with Head Start

Catholic Charities is pleased and excited to announce that Amerigroup Louisiana is now a lead sponsor of our Head Start program. This new sponsorship aligns Catholic Charities Head Start with an organization whose mission is to improve health care access and quality for more than 129,000 low-income Louisiana citizens by developing innovative care management programs and services. The partnership will help provide information on immunizations, well-child visits, childhood obesity prevention/healthy eating, and pre/post natal check-ups for mothers and infants in our Head Start families. Thanks to Amerigroup for supporting our Head Start students and families!

CCANO in Photos

The ACCESS Mobile Pregnancy Resource Center has hit the streets! View the current Mobile Pregnancy Center schedule and come check us out! ACCESS offers the free and confidential pregnancy support services and resources, now in a neighborhood near you! Photo courtesy of the Clarion Herald.

Christmas gifts and donations are arriving for our client families in need! There is still time to be a last-minute angel and help fulfill a needy family’s Christmas wish list. Contact Volunteer Services at (504) 310-6960 for more information.

PACE participants recently celebrated active senior lifestyles with health nut Richard Simmons at a Senior Workout at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. They joined with over 400 local seniors in a high-energy exercise class led by Simmons.

In This Issue

Thank You! Head Start Exceeds Goal

Welcome CCUSA!

Life Giving Ministries: Learn More

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The Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA) is our annual volunteer-driven fundraising campaign. The AHCA is led by Archbishop Gregory Aymond and the 2013 Chair, JT Hannan. Here’s our latest update!

The 2013 goal is $1.965M, a nod to the year 1965 when Archbishop Hannan first came to New Orleans. Thank you for your prayers and support as our volunteers continue to advocate for our services in the community!

To learn more about the AHCA, click here.

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Upcoming Events:

10/23: St. Elizabeth’s Guild Volunteer Activist Luncheon to Support Catholic Charities

11/8 Catholic Charities Night with the N.O. Pelicans

11/15-17 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat with ACCESS Pregnancy

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We offer many ways to give. CLICK HERE to explore our giving options. Thank you for your support! _______________________

Respecting the dignity and potential of each human person, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans collaborates with the wider community to serve those in need. Impelled by the love and teaching of Jesus Christ, we offer life-giving programs, advocate for the voiceless, and empower the poor and vulnerable to foster a more just society.

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October is Respect Life Month

This month, we particularly highlight our programs that encourage and support those choosing life!

This past year, ACCESS Pregnancy lovingly served 765 clients at locations in Metairie, the Bywater and on the Westbank. They also distributed 25,000+ diapers through their Diaper Bank. It’s fitting that during Respect Life Month, the ACCESS Mobile Pregnancy Unit will be rolling out! The Mobile Unit will be headed to areas in Kenner, the Bywater and Broadmoor with pregnancy support, ultrasounds and case management on board. The Mobile Unit will also be making stops at local schools to educate students on healthy lifestyles and pro-life issues.

ACCESS is headed to the North Shore! With the new ACCESS Mobile Pregnancy Unit, ACCESS services will soon be available at select locations on the North Shore! Also, the ACCESS Diaper Bank will be available to North Shore clients soon. The North Shore Region team is collaborating with various agencies to make this service possible! We’ll keep you updated!

Adoption Services provided support and resources to 185 individuals and 49 families this past year. We are so pleased to say that nine children and counting have found permanent, loving homes through our services in 2013!

“For expectant parents, we offer comprehensive adoption planning and maternity services,” explained Danna Cousins, Director of Adoption Services. “This includes confidential counseling, financial and medical assistance, open adoption services for birth and adoptive families, legal counsel through agency attorney, and post adoption support services.”

Danna says her experience with this program is truly a work of the heart for both client and staff. “During my 20+ year journey as an adoption professional, I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to share in the personal experiences of birth families and adoptive families – all of which have been beautiful, emotional, and selfless on every level at some time or another.”

Adoption Services is celebrating the gift of life and families this month at a reception on October 25! Tickets are still available and proceeds benefit this ministry. Click here for more information!

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Head Start Exceeds $10K Goal

Through your generosity and support, you helped us exceed our $10,000 goal for Head Start throughout August and September! Your gifts directly support our 5 Head Start Centers throughout the Greater New Orleans area, currently serving over 300 young students and their families. In these uncertain times, your support makes all the difference! Thank you for contributing to a Head Start in the lives of many!

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Partners in Excellence: Welcome Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is pleased to welcome the CCUSA Partners in Excellence Regional Conference October 22 and 23 in New Orleans. We’re joined by leaders and staff from Catholic Charities agencies across the Gulf South for two days of workshops on topics ranging from innovations in development and new media to how immigration reform and the affordable health care act will impact clients. Several of our staff members will be offering their insight and experience during the conference. Please keep us and all who serve with Catholic Charities agencies in your prayers!

Life Giving Ministries

Caring for life in all its various stages from the womb to the tomb is central to our mission. Learn more about some of our life-giving programs in the community.

Cornerstone Builders helps rebuild lives of formerly incarcerated men and women. We recently welcomed 21 new members to the program at a “New Beginnings Ceremony.” More photos, click here.

This past year, Padua Community Services and New Directions Adult Day Health Care provided loving care and, in many cases, a loving home for 103 clients. Padua Community Services provides specialized care for the elderly and the disabled in our community. An umbrella program of services, Padua offers home-based care, as well as residential care and adult day care for the disabled. Download the Padua brochure to learn more.

IN THIS ISSUE

New Isaiah 43 Session Begins

We are so excited about the upcoming launch of the ACCESS Mobile Pregnancy Unit this Fall. The mobile clinic will be able to meet clients where they are, offering pre-natal screenings, resources, education and case management. To learn more about ACCESS Services or to give, click here.

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Through the generous support of people like you, Catholic Charities is able to provide help and create hope for thousands individuals each year. We count on your help to serve the most vulnerable of our city and region.

We offer many ways to give. CLICK HERE to explore our giving options. Thank you for your support!

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Respecting the dignity and potential of each human person, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans collaborates with the wider community to serve those in need. Impelled by the love and teaching of Jesus Christ, we offer life-giving programs, advocate for the voiceless, and empower the poor and vulnerable to foster a more just society.

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Summer Activities at CCANO

At Catholic Charities, summer is definitely not ‘time off’. Our programs are in high gear during the summer. Summer Witness Camps were conducted at St. Peter Claver in New Orleans and at Garyville/Mount Airy Math and Science Magnet School in St. John the Baptist Parish. More than 200 children enjoyed swimming, arts and crafts, field trips and much more during the four week session. The Summer Witness program was begun more than 40 years ago by Archbishop Philip Hannan to provide enriching summer activities for children from economically distressed families. That mission continues today.

SERVE (Students Engaging in Reflective Volunteer Experiences) is a much newer program, but has become very popular. SERVE provides five weeks of activity for high school students who need service hours. In its fifth year, 115 students from 23 high schools took part in SERVE this summer. The young volunteers worked in a variety of ministries and assisted at our camps and Head Start centers, worked with the elderly and homeless and helped out at Second Harvest Food Bank. The high school students also take part in spiritual and reflective retreats that reinforce their relationship with God.

At St. Anthony of Padua in Luling, 20 girls ages 8 – 13 took part in a week-long Girl Power Camp. CCANO counselors in St. Charles Parish provided a week packed with activities and projects, nutritious lunches and snacks and focus on self-empowerment, personal development and prayer. Our thanks to the St. Charles Women’s Club, who provided funding for Girl Power.

Disaster Response Continues as 1st Anniversary of Hurricane Isaac Approaches

It’s hard to believe that one year will have passed since Hurricane Isaac devastated homes throughout Louisiana’s southern coastal parishes and beyond. As we approach the one year anniversary of this storm, our Hurricane Isaac Disaster Case Management program continues to provide support and resources to individuals and families still feeling Isaac’s impact. Here’s a quick look at our Hurricane Isaac response since August 26, 2012.

Share and Tell: Head Start Needs Your Help

With dramatic federal sequestration budget cuts this year, our Head Start programming providing care and education for hundreds of young children in our community needs your support now more than ever. With a few quick clicks, you can help us raise $10,000 by September 30, 2013 so that we can maintain our current Head Start programming.

Now, give with ease through PayPal using our Givezooks! Campaign page. You can also quickly share that you lent your support through your own Facebook and Twitter with the click of a button! Help us get that fundraising thermometer through the roof!

New Isaiah 43 Session Begins

Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Isaiah 43 program has proven so successful on the North Shore that two new sessions are kicking off. Youth participants and mentors are being recruited for a new class at First Baptist Church in Franklinton. Participants started training on August 10th, but it’s not too late to sign up. Please contact First Baptist Church at 985-839-3427 if you would like to get involved. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacombe will host an Isaiah 43 program beginning later this summer and continuing into the fall. There are informational meetings on August 18th and 25th after the 10:00 a.m. Mass in Roquette Hall. There will also be a Powerful Parents Workshop from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on September 4th, October 2nd, November 13th, and December 4th. Please call Victoria at 985-290-4455 to register.

Isaiah 43 offers support and guidance for struggling parents and vulnerable young people. Rooted in Christian values and teachings, the program is at the core of Archbishop Gregory Aymond’s New Battle of New Orleans Campaign to fight violence, murder and racism.

Get the latest info and events from the CCANO North Shore Region by signing up for the North Shore Region Newsletter. Click here!

IN THIS ISSUE

Nuns on the Bus at Hispanic Apostolate

Oklahoma Tornado Relief

Hurricane Season Prep

Summer Service with CCANO

Summer Witness with CCANO

News from the North Shore

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CCANO Summer Witness at St. Peter Claver

We are so excited to be holding Summer Witness camp at St. Peter Claver this summer! Campers in Pre-K 3 through 6th Grade are invited to register now for camp sessions in June and July. Activities include art, drums, dance, swimming and more! Registration fee is $200. Call 822-8191 for more details and to register. Since 1966, Summer Witness has offered affordable summer camp programming for children in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Established by the late Archbishop Hannan, Summer Witness camps include education, recreation, nutrition services and a swimming program for children who would otherwise not have the opportunity.

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Catholic Charities knows that hope comes in many forms. No one knows this better than the case managers that assist clients on their journey to self-sufficiency and recovery from any number of hardships and challenges. Case Manager Vickie Leleu is one of several CCANO staff who serves the people of the North Shore. Vickie can be found at the Covington Food Bank and Annunciation Catholic Church in Bobalusa where she assists up to 50 individuals and families each week.

Vickie says CCANO provides clients with more than just direct assistance. She said, “We offer them a sense of hope. This hope is given through a listening ear, food, assistance and referrals. While we are unable to provide for every person who is in need of assistance, we work with a network of Catholic churches to arrange the assistance needed.”

Get the latest info and events from the CCANO North Shore Region by signing up for the North Shore Region Newsletter. Click here!

Special-Needs Clients Find Loving Care at Padua Community Services

The feast day of St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost articles, was June 13. At Catholic Charities, his feast day holds a special place at Padua Community Services. Since 1977, Padua Community Services has served the vulnerable and often overlooked population of developmentally disabled individuals. Our Padua Pediatric Program has been the only residential home in the State of Louisiana where disabled children receive both medical and therapeutic care. It is home to 27 children ranging from infancy to young adults, many of whom have lived their entire lives under the quality care of our compassionate staff.

The feast of St. Anthony reminds us that our disabled brothers and sisters cannot become lost members in our society. We are committed to their care and will continue to create a loving home for these special clients. We are grateful for the staff who meets the daily challenges as caregivers to our Padua residents and the administrative team who provide support to keep this programming afloat in these tough economic times. This month, we pray to St. Anthony of Padua, to bless these special clients and caregivers! Pray for us! To learn more about Padua Community Services, click here. If you are able to make a donation in honor of St. Anthony this month to Padua, click here to donate online.

Expansion and Renovations in the Works for PACE Greater New Orleans Senior Services

PACE (Program of All- Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Greater New Orleans (PACE GNO), an affiliate ministry of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO), will soon be offering services for seniors on the West Bank in a new facility as well as updating their current facilities at the Shirley Landry Benson Center in the Bywater.

Pictured: incoming West Bank Rotary President, Sr. Marjorie Hebert, Kyle Meguess and West Bank Rotary President Robert Folse.

PACE GNO was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from the Rotary Club of the West Bank to expand its Senior Services to the West Bank area. With this grant, PACE GNO will begin the remodeling of two buildings on the Hope Haven campus in Marrero. The St. John Bosco Chapel and rectory will be transformed into an adult day health care facility. The new center is slated to open in early 2014. In the meantime, renovations to the Shirley Landry Benson Center at the site of the former St. Cecilia Catholic Church will also be underway. Updates include new recreational spaces that will allow for a new literacy program and a technology program for senior clients.

Don’t miss the Hope Haven Treasure Sale for PACE this Saturday!

Support PACE’s new West Bank expansion and discover a treasure to take home at a yard sale event this Saturday, June 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hope Haven Campus. PACE will be selling items housed inside the former Hope Haven school building including an assortment of furniture, fixtures, décor and more! All proceeds from the “Treasure Sale” will benefit PACE.

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Peoples Health Partners with Food for Families/Seniors

Peoples Health is helping Catholic Charities’ Food for Families/Food for Seniors program in an effort to address hunger in southeast Louisiana in Peoples Health’s 23-parish service area. The effort includes Peoples Health’s sponsorship of 400,000 food boxes in those 23 parishes, which greatly reduces the cost of the overall delivery of these nutritional staples to the senior and under-served community in need.

Food for Families/Food for Seniors distributed 811,000 nutritional food boxes in all 64 Louisiana parishes in 2012 to seniors, pregnant women, post-partum mothers and infants in need. The program also educates clients about healthy eating by providing nutritional information, easy to make recipes and tips to stretch food dollars while maintaining a healthy diet.

“By joining forces with Peoples Health in addressing this important need, we will be able to invest resources to improve the program and make our delivery of services more efficient,” stated Sr. Marjorie Hebert M.S.C, Chief Executive Officer and President of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Thanks to Peoples Health for their great support!

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Nuns on the Bus Stop at Hispanic Apostolate

Network Lobby’s Nuns on the Bus made a stop to tour Hispanic Apostolate in Metairie as part of their cross-country tour for comprehensive immigration reform. Our prayers go with them as they continue their journey advocating for just immigration policy that allows for a swift path to citizenship and respects the rights and dignity of the individual and the family unit.

Upcoming Activites at Hispanic Apostolate Center

• July 6: Praise and worship, followed by Holy Hour with Fr. Pedro Nunez, 6:00 p.m.
  
• Mass in Spanish, Monday through Thursday at 6:00 p.m., St Lawrence the Martyr Church in Kenner
• Bible Study by Rev. Luis Henao, Monday and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
• Tune in to “Hora Catolica” (Catholic Hour), Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. on RadioTropical KGLA 1540 AM
• Hispanic Apostolate also offers sacrament preparation, youth and young adult groups, and ministerial training.
  

Visit Hispanic Apostolate at 2525 Maine Ave in Metairie, LA. or contact them at (504) 467-2550 for more information on activities and services.

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Archdiocese Still Accepting Donations for Oklahoma Tornado Relief

Our prayers are with those affected by the devastating tornadoes that recently ripped through Moore, OK, especially for those who experienced the death of a child or loved one. May those affected feel God’s loving compassion in the face of this tragedy. Many families lost everything as a result of the tornadoes. At this time, the Archdiocese of New Orleans will be accepting monetary donations on behalf the tornado victims. Donations can be sent to:

Archdiocese of New Orleans
c/o Archbishop Aymond
7887 Walmsley Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70125
Please note the donation “Oklahoma tornado relief”.

Many in our community know first-hand of the importance and comfort aid from strangers brings in a time of tragedy. Please be generous with your prayers and, if possible, some assistance for our sisters and brothers now facing a long road to recovery.

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Preparing for Hurricane Season

The 2013 hurricane season is upon us! We encourage you to update your hurricane preparedness plans for your families and businesses. Stay connected and safe this season through social media! Here is a great list of who to follow on Twitter for emergency updates, tips and alerts in case of a hurricane warning or evacuation. We are keeping a close watch on any storm developments and are praying for a quiet and safe hurricane season.

IN THIS ISSUE

News from the North Shore

CCANO in Photos this Month

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Our Office of Justice and Peace is pleased to join the North Shore Region for select office hours and projects! The Office of Justice and Peace promotes Catholic social teaching within Catholic Charities’ programs and the wider Catholic community. For more information on the Office of Justice and Peace, contact Tom Costanza at [email protected].

Get the latest info and events from the CCANO North Shore Region by signing up for the North Shore Region Newsletter. Click here!

Catholic Charities Expands Hurricane Isaac Help

CCANO staff members Lang Le and Nathan Conzonere (in red shirts) visit with residents of lower Plaquemines to assess the needs of the community in the wake of Hurricane Isaac.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans will lead a coalition that will help up to 1225 people still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives after the damage caused by Hurricane Isaac.

Catholic Charities (CCANO) was selected by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to administer an $8 million dollar grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). CCANO will partner with a number of other providers to deliver help across 26 parishes.

Under the program, case managers will guide families and individuals to resources. The program is not designed to provide direct aid, but will help link families to available services and material goods, including long-term sustainable housing, employment, furniture, appliances, counseling services and more. CCANO will oversee 35 case managers, who will assist individuals and families in assessing their outstanding disaster-caused needs, develop a plan to reach recovery, connect them to available resources that match their needs and monitor the recipients’ progress toward their recovery plan goals.

“Catholic Charities has extensive experience in providing help after disasters. We helped thousands rebuild their homes and lives after Katrina, after the oil spill in 2010 and again after Isaac,” said Sr. Marjorie Hebert, M.S.C., interim president and CEO of Catholic Charities. “We committed that we would be here long after the first responders finished their work. This is part of our pledge to honor that commitment.”

To date, CCANO has served 803 persons in 506 families affected by Hurricane Isaac. Among the highlights of services provided…

• 277 persons assisted with their applications for DSNAP.
• 376 persons received disaster recovery case management.
• 89 persons received psychological first aid.
• 142 persons received direct financial assistance totaling $42,115 (building materials, household items, insurance, medical assistance, mortgage and rental assistance, store cards, transportation, and utilities).
• 330 persons were assisted with information and referrals.

Individuals and families interested in Hurricane Isaac case management services can call 1-866-891-2210 for more information. Read full announcement here.

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Save the Date! Zephyrs Night

Support Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans as the New Orleans Zephyrs take on the Salt Lake Bees on May 7, 2013 and enjoy $3 tickets to the game and $1 hot dogs all night long! Proceeds benefit Catholic Charities Education Services and Hispanic Apostolate Programs. Download the ticket voucher and show it at the Zephyrs Ticket Office to receive the $3 ticket price! Must present one voucher when purchasing tickets! CHECKS AND CASH ONLY. Make checks PAYABLE TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS. Please call ahead for orders of 50 or more (504) 734-5155. If you would like to sponsor a group of tickets for our Head Start students to attend the May 7th Game, please contact Steve Lenahan, Associate Director of Education Services, at (504) 861-6359. See you at the ball game!

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“Charity is the bond of perfection”

Thank you to our 2012 Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal Committee, Volunteers and Donors for helping us exceed our goal of $1.85 million! Your generosity enables us to serve those most in need. Click here to view pictures from the AHCA Reception on Facebook.Pictured above: Archbishop Aymond with AHCA Chairs Shannon and Byron Adams.

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Building Community Gardens

Cornerstone Builders and Community Staffing Services are thrilled to be working with a new tractor! The tractor will enable them to efficiently cultivate community garden projects throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Click here for to view more photos on Facebook.