Although the adult women at the St. Rosalie Community Home stay busy with regular outings or activities at their residence in Gretna, the first week of Advent they engaged in a unique experience: eating at Delacroix — the new John Besh restaurant in downtown New Orleans.

Surrounded by festive decor, delicious dishes, and even representatives from the Happy Santas, the ladies seemed to savor every moment of this unique holiday celebration. The trip wasn’t far from their home on the Westbank — a permanent residence that offers adult women with intellectual disabilities a safe, nurturing environment where they can thrive. Six of the eight available spots at St. Rosalie are currently filled.

Rosalind Freeman, 60, has been at St. Rosalie since 2016. Her mother, battling Leukemia, was nearing the point where she would no longer be able to take care of Rosalind. Fortunately, she was able to find Rosalind a loving home at St. Rosalie before she passed in 2017.

Rosalind, still missing her mother, talks about how they endured so much together before her passing. She volunteered in the Ochsner cafeteria in Belle Chasse for 31 years working in the same building as her mom.

Fran Johnson, manager of St. Rosalie, has been working diligently to help Rosalind and the women at St. Rosalie find volunteer or parttime work again. She said that since Hurricane Katrina, it has been challenging to match residents with opportunities. She has not given up and remains hopeful she can find something for everyone.

Rosalind leads a life at St. Rosalie almost like everyone else. She is regularly frustrated by the New Orleans Saints, goes shopping, visits Lakeside Mall, and goes out to eat regularly with the other women and staff. Formerly part of a bowling league, she bested her roommate during a recent trip to the bowling alley.

The majority of people who drive by the small brick building that houses the women of St. Rosalie may not realize the amount of joy and community that emanates from it. Staying true to the mission of Catholic Charities, St. Rosalie is helping nurture an environment where everyone can embrace dignity and hope. It is certain that the holiday lunch at Delacroix was a perfect
reminder of that mission—a small, yet powerful gathering!