As we revisit New Orleans we are mindful of everything the city has endured and we are eager to help the city and contribute to recovery and rebuilding efforts. We are offering all our members and convention attendees information on what they can do to help New Orleans. New Orleans has a variety of local organizations where you can volunteer to participate in a half-day or full day restoration projects. Please contact each charitable group or foundation listed below for information on project availability. While we sincerely encourage our convention participants to donate their time and money to these worthwhile efforts, ISA is providing this for informational purposes only, will not coordinate charitable donations or administer projects.
OPTIONS FOR DIRECT DONATIONS
ISA has selected three local charities to receive contributions in order to help the city in its rebuilding efforts.
Brees Dream Foundation
The Brees Dream Foundation was founded in 2003 with a mission to advance research in the fight against Cancer and provide care, education and opportunities for children in need. Since its inception, the Brees Dream Foundation has committed more than $4,500,000 to charitable causes and academic institutions in the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue communities. As, it relates specifically to New Orleans, the Brees Dream Foundation just completed its ‘Rebuilding Dreams” campaign, contributing a total of $1,800,000 to the following organization:
- Beacon of Hope Resource Center
- Best Buddies Louisiana
- The Edible Schoolyard at Green Charter School
- Greater New Orleans Rebuild Child Care Collaborative
- Lusher Charter School
- New Orleans Outreach
- New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD)
- New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School
Please visit www.drewbrees.com for additional information. We are proud to be a reliable and accountable charity solution and will continue to challenge ourselves, teammates and our corporate partners to increase the impact we have on the lives of those in need. The success of the Brees Dream Foundation would not be possible without the continued support and generous contributions from both individuals and corporations across the globe. We believe strongly that our past success is but a prelude to what we have planned for the future!
Website: www.drewbrees.com
9th Ward Field of Dreams
Our Story: In the summer of 2008, 30 students emerged from seven classroom trailers and courageously took to the field as a football team. Their field? An abandoned lot in the shadow of their hurricane-devastated high school. These students have inspired a group of young, ambitious individuals to resurrect a community and change the outcome of a forgotten neighborhood. Together we can prove that against formidable odds, a few people crazy enough to believe in their own power to create change can overcome a seemingly impossible challenge.
Website: www.9thwardfieldofdreams.com
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation “Save Our Lake/Save Our Wetlands”
Our Mission: As the public’s independent voice, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is dedicated to restoring and preserving the water quality, coast, and habitats of the entire Lake Pontchartrain Basin. Through coordination of restoration activities, education, advocacy, monitoring of the regulatory process, and citizen action, LPBF works in partnership with all segments of the community to reclaim the Basin for this and future generations.
www.saveourlake.org Please click on join now and pick the type of donation or choose to donate to the New Canal Lighthouse. We would appreciate it if you put ISA in the comments box so we can track the donations from the ISA members.
Website: www.saveourlake.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Louisiana Office of Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu in partnership with the state’s seven regional Volunteer Centers maintains a listing of volunteer opportunities in the New Orleans region and throughout South Louisiana. To view those opportunities or to post a volunteer need, visit http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/1800Vol/OpenIndexAction.do
Volunteer New Orleans
Volunteer New Orleans (VNO) is an exciting initiative focused on bringing awareness to citizens about the importance of volunteerism in the greater New Orleans area. VNO helps provide the critical connection between those wanting to volunteer and members of area non-profits, charities, and volunteer organizations. Over two years after Katrina, it is critical for those outside of New Orleans to continue to engage in volunteerism and the recovery. Additionally, it is increasingly more important for locals to play a more significant role in the recovery, rebuilding and reconnecting of our region.
Note: VNO is a site that is managed by Cox Communications with Volunteers of America and is not really an organization that is directly hands on, but rather a place or site to go to find opportunities that are available.
Website: www.volunteerneworleans.com
HandsOn New Orleans
HandsOn New Orleans envisions Greater New Orleans as a hub of civic-minded individuals that take action through service to meet critical community needs. HandsOn New Orleans hosts citizens from around the world, as well as provides service opportunities for citizens in the New Orleans community. Whether you are one person or a corporate team, HandsOn New Orleans provides worthwhile and effective volunteer options. We gladly engage out-of-state individuals and groups, local citizens, corporate groups, and tourists, all in service to our community.
Since March of 2006 over HandsOn New Orleans Volunteers has
- Completed repairs on over 400 homes
- Trained over 700 Volunteer Leaders -Engaged over 15,404 volunteers in 535,004 hours of service
- Contributed over 54,315 hours in 37 schools
- Developed 62 corporate projects -Built 1 library and developed a library program
Website: www.handsonneworleans.org
New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
NOAHH is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. NOAHH builds new houses in partnership with sponsors, volunteers, and homeowner families to eliminate poverty housing in the New Orleans area while serving as a catalyst to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
Website: www.habitat-nola.org
