Stories of Hope
Rural south Louisiana received devastating blows from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the autumn of 2005. But the extraordinary people of these rural communinities are creating inspiring success stories as they piece their lives - and their livelihoods - back together.
Three Generations of Delcambre Family Hit By Rita
The Delcambre ship-building Pitres' property hadn't flooded in a hundred years. But when Hurricane Rita slammed into the Gulf coast last fall that changed. Waters surged over the area, flattening the towns closest to the coast and carrying water and mud 15 miles inland and flooding nearly everything in its path. (Click here for the rest of the story...)
From Chalmette to Bozeman, Montana
After the hurricanes demolished their home and business in St. Bernard Parish last year, a Chalmette family traveled from one end of the Louisiana Purchase to the other and opened a bakery in Bozeman, Montana. (Click here for the rest of the story...)
Can-Do, Self-Help Spirit Keeps Fisher Family Going
A Holly Beach fisher family lost their home during Hurricane Rita, but they didn't lose their "can-do, self-help" spirit. They are now rebuilding with the help of friends and Southern Mutual Help Association. (Click here for the rest of the story...)
Mayor Tim of Jean Lafitte
Mayor Tim Kerner of the small community of Jean Lafitte in lower Jefferson Parish is an example of what the best in a public servant looks like. Tim Kerner's daddy was also the mayor of Jean Lafitte, so you might assume they have a dynasty. But it's not a dynasty of power. It is a dynasty of public service providing leadership in a community characterized by a spirit of self help and generosity. (Click here for the rest of the story...)
Rebuilding — One Small Business At a Time
When Lorna Bourg asked Mayor Tim Kerner of Jean Lafitte, "... If there were three businesses that we could help restore, what would they be?" He said, "They wouldn't be in my town. They would be one mile south of here in Lafitte. If we could get those three restaurants up and running, they would hire people from my town. We could have food in our area. We could have tourists coming back, and the shrimp boats would have a place to sell their shrimp." (Click here for the rest of the story...)Return to top of page