Lorena’s Dedication October 22, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Non-profits, Residential Design.add a comment
This morning, IRD held a ceremony to dedicate Lorena’s house, which is now finished thanks to the hard work of Training U, Pathfinder Mission, and YouthBuild. The house looks great; this YouthBuild class has learned a lot and done a great job.
Lorena's favorite part of the house is its cozy screened porch.
IRD's YouthBuild students gather on the side porch. The class will graduate later today.
Tykia, one of the YouthBuild students, presents Lorena with a wreath for her new home.
Lorena receives her Certificate of Occupancy and key.
9/11 National Day of Service September 4, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Non-profits.1 comment so far
This Friday, September 11 will be the first 9/11 National Day of Service. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which increased the size of the AmeriCorps program, also established the National Day of Service as a way to remember the victims of 9/11 and encourage Americans to give back to their communities. Many organizations, even before the Serve America Act was passed, have taken up the call for service.
Here in Biloxi, Hands On Gulf Coast will be coordinating activites for K-5 students at North Bay Elementary. Kids will be doing chalk murals, crafts, essays, and talking with local first responders. I believe all volunteer slots have been filled for this event, but you can visit Hands On Gulf Coast for more information. Organizations such as the Hope Community Development Agency can always use volunteers as they continue rebuilding houses for those affected by Hurricane Katrina (website).
You can find events near you at CNCS’s Serve.gov or at volunteer organizations such as Hands On Network and Service Nation.
Get out there and volunteer!
The Trace gets all dressed up July 10, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Architecture, Non-profits, Residential Design.Tags: hfhmgc, the trace
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Jamie Morton from Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has taken some wonderful photos of The Trace, a 28-unit development built by Habitat in partnership with the GCCDS. The photographs show off the coastal architecture and excellent landscaping that help make this an extraordinary neighborhood. (See the full set on Flickr.)
Chronicles of Hope July 8, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Non-profits.Tags: chronicles of hope, hope cda, NaBloPoMo09, newsletter
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Last Lunch at Salvation Army July 1, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Mississippi, Non-profits.Tags: hurricane katrina, salvation army
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The Salvation Army Volunteer Village has been one of the fixtures of the volunteer hurricane relief effort here in Biloxi since shortly after Hurricane Katrina. Over the past year, they have been gradually closing down and refocusing their operations as the numbers of volunteers have fallen off. Yesterday, after nearly four years, they served their last lunch for volunteers. For those of us who have been here during the hurricane recovery process, it feels like the end of an era.
Moss Point Exhibit, 3 May 15, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Community Planning, Non-profits.Tags: moss point
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Last week’s Moss Point exhibit was a great success. It was well-attended by city officials and community leaders, designers, and interested citizens of Moss Point and neighboring communities. I took lots of photos, which you can see on Flickr (65 photos). WLOX News did a piece on the exhibit as well. Here’s a quick look at the exhibit and the events of the evening:
Outgoing Moss Point Mayor Xavier Bishop (l) and GCCDS Director David Perkes discuss the model of downtown Moss Point.
A portion of the exhibit discussing the topics of commerce, City Hall, and the environment.
A riverfront pavilion is shown along Denny Street in the model of downtown Moss Point.
The Scruggs Center is the location for the exhibit, which will be on display through June 1st. Open hours are Saturdays from Noon until 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Exhibit attendees, including GCCDS designer Nadene Mairesse (r), discuss the model of downtown Moss Point.
GCCDS Director David Perkes presents the Moss Point exhibit in front of the crowd of city officials, community leaders, designers, and interested citizens.
AmeriCorps April 26, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Non-profits.Tags: americorps, service
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I recently suggested the AmeriCorps program to a friend who needs a way to explore what she wants to do next in life, and help others and support herself while doing so. It’s not always well understood; before I came to Mississippi, I didn’t even know what AmeriCorps was.
AmeriCorps is a government program that supports national service in the United States, much like a domestic Peace Corps. Just days ago, on April 21, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, increasing the total number of positions from 75,000 to 250,000 by 2017. AmeriCorps members do not work directly for the government. Instead, they work in a variety of ways with non-profit organizations and other groups doing service work around the country. AmeriCorps members are compensated; they receive a living stipend and, in many cases, an education award and health insurance. There are three basic types of Americorps positions:
