Peter's Story - St. Bernard Project

Volunteering in New Orleans' St. Bernard Parish was an amazing, eye-opening experience for me. Before Katrina hit, it was a thriving middle-class community of more than 68,00 people, many of them fishermen, oil workers, natural gas workers, and construction workers. A tightly knit community of normal, hardworking people, St. Bernard Parish was home to generations of families. Neighbors all knew each other well, families lived within minutes of each other; it was a true community.

Since the hurricane, less than a third of the people have returned. The ones that have, found their neighborhoods destroyed, their friends scattered, their families moved to other towns and other states. While there, I rarely saw a street that wasn't missing a few houses or that had several others under-going reconstruction and still others slated for demolition.

I was honored to meet and work with the Perez family. The dad is disabled and couldn't do the backbreaking work himself. He and his wife have two teenagers. We were one of the first teams in their home since the storms, so we did lots of demolition and mold treatment. It was dirty, filthy, hot work. AND at the same time, so much fun! Go figure. I'd hire someone to do it at my own house, but I loved doing it for someone else who truly needed the help.

I stayed at a place called Camp Hope. It was such an incredible place -- all staffed by volunteers and housing up to 1,200 volunteer workers at any one given time. It used to be a middle school, but when I was there, the classrooms were all being used as dorms, sleeping 20 to a room on bunk bed cots made by volunteer carpenters. We took cold showers and ate in chow lines. It was one of the best weeks ever! Very much like summer camp for grownups. I miss it so much already. I understand that it's closed now, which is really sad on one level, but really cool on another because it means that the school is re-opening.

I feel lucky to have worked with the St. Bernard Project. My experience was beyond explanation and words can't really do it justice. I think The Perez home was roughly house number 154 for the people at the St. Bernard Project. With little money and all volunteers, they make a difference every day. They are my new heroes. It was fun, hard, moving, gross and I'd do it again in a minute. In fact, I'm hoping to make it back early next year. Want to join me?

Peter Barton --

Rebuilding New Orleans

On August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States, causing severe damage as it stormed throughout the South, leaving thousands homeless and an estimated 1,836 lives lost. When New Orleans' levees broke, America's hearts did too. We watched as homes were lost and families broken apart. Four years later, the devastation from Katrina continues to plague the area with roughly 15,000 families still living in temporary housing. St. Bernard Project Co-Founder Liz McCartney talks to us about her goal for St. Bernard Parish and the lessons learned to develop a new national model for post disaster rebuilding.

St. Bernard Project (SBP) has a unique story. You and Co-Founder Zack Rosenburg had successful careers in DC and chose to let it all go to help the people devastated by hurricane Katrina. Can you speak about how you got involved, how you started the group and how you came to choose to focus specifically on St. Bernard Parish?

Zack and I came to the New Orleans in February 06 with mom. We landed in St. Bernard by chance -- an organization doing relief work in St. Bernard was the only one to answer my email about volunteer opportunities. I had never heard of St. Bernard Parish before we got here.

We thought we'd volunteer for a few weeks and then go back to our lives as planned. But when we got here we were very surprised to learn: 1) there was so much work to do; 2) the people were great -- not at all like the media had portrayed; and 3) that the problems were very solvable. At that time, people who had a FEMA trailer were considered lucky. Most people were living either in their cars, on the 2nd floor of the their homes that did not flood or miles away in another community. More than anything the residents of St. Bernard just wanted to come home.

We decided to get involved because it seemed like the right thing to do. So, we went back to DC raised funds, bought a pick up truck and moved to New Orleans in the summer of 2006. First, we found a very generous resident who donated his building to us for an office space. We spent the first summer learning to how to hang drywall with him. We started working on our first client's home later that summer.

Since that time we have helped 226 families rebuild and move back into their homes with help from over 15,000 volunteers. We opened a Center for Wellness and Mental Health in partnership with LSU's Health Science Center in February 2009. We offer approximately 70 hours a week of one-on-one therapy and wellness classes. This fall we are starting the Good Work Good Pay Program that will hire, train and employ veterans and other unemployed Louisiana residents to do construction work. The program will pay them living wages and benefits however, because the Good Work Good Pay Program does not seek to make a profit we will be able to offer our clients submarket construction rates. This program will be a good fit for homeowners who have some funds but not enough to hire a contractor or nonprofit organizations who are seeking to develop deeply affordable housing.

How do you feel about SBP's progress so far? How do you feel about the reconstruction progress as a whole?

The New Orleans area has seen significant progress over the past four years: 75% of the population has returned in New Orleans and 60% in St. Bernard; many homes (although certainly not all homes) have been rebuilt, many businesses are open, and lots of the schools and places of worship are coming back. The historic sections of the city like (French Quarter, Garden District and Uptown near Tulane and Loyola, to name a few) which has very limited damage look fantastic. In other parts of the city (Gentilly, Lower 9th Ward, Lakeview) there are varying degrees of work to do.

While SBP is proud of the contributions we've made to the residential rebuilding efforts work that we've done (226 families homes, 50 homes under construction), we feel like it's a drop in the bucket. Today approximately 15,000 families are either living in FEMA trailers or government subsidized rental housing. And what's most shocking is that 70% of these people own a home. They can not rebuild it, however, because they either did not get enough funds, they don't qualify for a loan or they were ripped off by a contractor.

What does your long term plan look like? What does the future of New Orleans look like in your opinion?

The future of New Orleans is very bright. It was recently named one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the country. The city is attracting many creative, smart and driven professionals who are finding innovative ways to solve some of the regions most pressing problems. They are funding opportunities for new business ideas in the region.

SBP's goal is to work ourselves out of a job. Eventually, we hope that the St. Bernard Project will no longer be needed in the New Orleans area. We are committed to taking the lessons we've learned post-Katrina to develop a new national model for post disaster rebuilding.

Congratulations on winning the CNN Heroes Award. What did that mean to you personally and also for SBP?

The CNN Hero Award was for all the people in the New Orleans and from around the country who have worked so hard to rebuild the region. It has and will continue to be a group effort. We are truly grateful for the exposure from the Heroes Program which has helped us reach many more volunteers. We got to see that we've made tremendous progress down here but there is still a lot of work to be done.

St. Bernard Project in the Spotlight

New Retailers...

Midsummer is upon us and if you’re anything like me, the last place you want to be during the hottest of the summer months, is cooped up inside of a stuffy mall trying to find bargains for all your summer and back-to-school needs. Summer 2009 is all about getting out-doors and enjoying the weather while at-the-same-time staying connected and informed. It’s about being savvy, saving money and finding creative ways to make the most of your dollar. So this year, sip your morning coffee while perusing www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com’s newest retailers (there’s a little something for everybody) and help yourself keep life simple… shop, click, give – then get out and enjoy your day!

EDUN is a socially conscious clothing company that launched in the spring of 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono. The company’s primary goals are to create beautiful clothes using ethical working conditions and to help create long-term sustainable employment in the developing world, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Exquisitely designed, comfy organic cotton fabrics and sustainable business practices make indulging in Edun an irresistible pleasure. We are happy to have Edun on-board!

All I know is that my chosen nonprofit group is likely to make A LOT of money from this newly added retailer – just from my shopping alone! All my glasses, plates, napkins, patio furniture, rugs and bath-towels are straight from Cost Plus World Market, it’s truly one of my favorite stores!!! If you’ve never shopped here before you MUST check it out. All your summer hosting needs can be met here and are certain to impress. Be sure to take a look at their gourmet food and wine selections too!!!

Looking for the perfect summer kicks? Wear Adidas and stay classic. Choose from brightly colored tennis shoes, Vespa-riding subtle styles and even sporty sandals. Don’t just walk - Make an impression!

With the digital age in full swing many of us are streamlining our lives by organizing our devices and marrying our many accounts. One simple way to do this is by choosing AT&T as your digital cable, Internet server and cell/home phone service provider. They have some of the most sought after mobile devices (they carry the iphone exclusively in the US) while offering competitive rates and services for their newly launched U-verse.

Adorable yet wearable summer fashions at a great price – that’s what you’ll find at avenue.com. Comfortable, sexy and won’t break the bank, avenue is a breath of fresh air in a world full of girl’s clothing with a queen’s price tag.

Bebe.com has some especially beautiful items this summer. Their playful use of texture and motion has resulted in a collection that feels as much like summer as it looks. Enjoy tactile adventures and bring fabulous to wherever you go.

If you want timeless design mixed with long-lasting quality then Kate Spade is the brand for you. The purse she carries say’s a lot about the woman… and when carrying Kate Spade you’re saying smart, sophisticated while keeping a certain girlish charm. Kate Spade knows that less is more and that you can make your statement without having to shout. Find the perfect handbag and don’t forget to take a look at her clothing and shoe collections too!!!

Men, are you finding yourself digging through old garment bags trying to piece together your old stand-by suit for this season’s parties? Every spring and summer you know you’ll be going to various weddings and events where you’ll have to look your best. So why not get ahead of the game? With the Brooks Brothers’ summer sale you have the perfect excuse to splurge on yourself and get a new suit - one that isn’t so old it’s qualifies as “retro”. Suit Up boys!

Summer BABIES!!!!!!!

Summer is upon us and to me that means fun with fashion. All year long I look forward to those warm summer days that allow me to frolic around in my tube dresses and funky wedge sandals. It’s even more exciting to play dress up with my chic little 9-year-old daughter. Below are some highlights of my daughter’s favorite styles and mine this season. I would particularly like to spotlight Boden as my top pick for the best summer apparel for kids.

Hotchpotch Sundress $24.00
Made of 100% cotton, here is a completely charming dress, which works brilliantly over a t-shirt in the spring or without when it’s hotter.

Surf Suit $31.00
The sun is fun but being burnt isn’t. This adorable little surf suit is perfect for those summer beach days and provides great sun protection. Not to mention, every boy loves to look like a pirate these days and skulls will always be in fashion.

Baby Surf Suit $28.00
Your baby might not be riding the waves yet but that’s no reason not to invest in this dashing surf suit. Best worn over a swim nappy, the surf suit is exceedingly well thought out, machine washable and providing good coverage in the sun. Provides Sun Protection, UPF 40+ & is quick drying and conforms to EN standards and makes your babies bum look cute.

Summer fashion means more than just easy breezy cottons and bathing suits. As we grow closer to September many of us are planning our back to school shopping. We have our checklists….blouses, dresses, pants, shorts, jackets, uniforms (for some) and last but most definitely not least, the kids need a good pair of shoes. As parents we are inclined to buy the “sensible” shoe over the “trendy” shoe. At Piperlime you will find a huge variety of sensibly trendy shoes, and many of them at a fraction of the competitive cost. You’re children will think you’re the coolest and you can feel confident that you’re money was well spent.

Old Navy is somehow always ahead of the curve when it comes to children’s fashion. Everything they have to offer makes me wish they made it in my size. From tops to shoes to swimsuits to accessories, Old Navy is a one stop shopping experience for the entire family. Just look at my picks below. The best part is Old Navy is so affordable and they have fantastic sales all-year round.

For many years I resisted the coolness that is The Gap. When it comes to decorating myself I tend to flock towards more of the “do-it-yourself” style. Then I became a mom and the rest is history. I can’t deny that The Gap has irresistibly cute rags for the little ones. My daughter struts proudly in her sundresses and mini totes from The Gap. She may not look like me in my cut up t-shirts and restored vintage wear, but trust me, she gets more looks than I do for her sassy get ups.

The little nonprofit that DOES...

It's been our pleasure over the years to meet and work with a variety of nonprofit groups, all of them compelling, all of them passionate and all of them doing good to better the world. This month, we'd like to highlight Ndebele Art Project Africa, an organization whose exuberant optimism and 'on-the-ground' work is reminiscent of the children's story: The Little Engine That Could. With what sounds a lot like the 'I-Think-I-Can' motto repeated in the story, this group is making an impact while managing on a shoestring. Monetizing the resources they do have, this small and devoted team continues to plug away, slowly but surely, turning a love for their dear friends of the Jabulani Village into steady and sustainable progress.

Their challenge is not unlike the awesome ferocity of nearby Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe's political crisis and resulting economic breakdown has led to abysmal access to public healthcare, a collapsed infrastructure, a crushing HIV epidemic, political violence, food shortages, cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, the world's highest inflation rate (at over 231 million percent) and an unemployment rate of 90 percent. Many better known NGO's who've sent doctors and other aid workers into the country have been run out while NAP Africa's stream of under-the-radar support -- coming from a group of seven board members and a handful of volunteers from Orange County, California -- has to date been unwavering and unencumbered.

This story of endurance began in 2004 when Sandy Orrill was inspired to take action after visiting a Zimbabwean village with her daughter Jennifer Kemper, a dealer in African art. They became acquainted with the talented carvers and the families living in the Jabulani village and saw first hand how devastating an impact the economic downturn was having on their new friends' lives. Acknowledging that there were no safety nets in place to support the Zimbabwean villagers during these unstable times, and that an art form was on its way to extinction, the two began dreaming up what would later become Ndebele Art Project Africa while flying home from their trip.

The work this steadfast group has accomplished in a short period of time is astonishing. To date NAP Africa has funded the building of the Jabulani Pre-School, which serves roughly 55 students, 30% of whom are orphans, and employs two phenomenal teachers year-round. Nearby is the centrally located windmill they installed, equipped with six water tanks for clean water that can serve over 500 people's water needs. In addition, the group provides emergency medical aid and food in monthly stipends.

In 2008 NAP held an incredibly successful village health clinic with sports medicine specialist Dr. Wendy Norman of Laguna Niguel, CA, treating over 90 men, women and children. Dr. Norman will return later this month to conduct a second clinic and to begin health education classes. Awaiting her arrival will be a 1-ton shipment of nutritional supplements and vitamins that she will distribute to the village families to help combat malnutrition.

This year NAP is taking legal steps to form a Trust (Zimbabwe Art Project - ZAP) with local chiefs and community leaders planning a number of new village initiatives. ZAPs first project is a community garden that will help feed villagers as well as allow them to sell product to local hotels and restaurants.

The long term commitment that NAP and its 'engine' of board members, volunteers and donors has made to the Jabulani villagers is to help bring hope, health and economic sustainability back to the village, restoring the majestic 'tall blondes' to the world marketplace and carving a brighter future in Africa through art.

EAT WELL, DO GOOD

Care to help out a good cause? All you have to do is eat. Really.

Dine at Memphis at the Santora in Santa Ana from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, and the restaurant will donate a portion of meal and beverage proceeds to an Orange County-based nonprofit group working to preserve the Jabulani Village in Zimbabwe, Africa.

The Ndebele Art Project (NAP) is an organization made up of local O.C. women endeavoring to aid the villagers' struggling community, which has been embattled with political unrest and economic devastation.

The Jabulani villagers of tradesmen and women are known worldwide for their "tall blondes" -- 15-foot giraffes carved from the local mucwa hardwood, but that art has virtually vanished.

Last year's NAP event raised more than $12,000 for ongoing village projects, including a preschool, community water, and a health clinic. The goal is to raise $20,000 this year for the preschool, food and emergency medical care and more water projects in the village.

Dinner reservations for the NAP fund-raising event can be made by calling Memphis: 714.564.1064. There will also be an optional fund-raising poker tournament, a silent auction, raffles and giveaways of the village's famous carved giraffes, local artisan jewelry, vacation packages and more.

Click and Give without having to spend a dime...