Causes: Disaster Aid, Disaster Preparedness & Relief Services, Emergency Assistance, Human Services, Neighborhood Centers

Mission: The Community Center of St Bernard is dedicated to empowering survivors of hurricane Katrina and Isaac and the Gulf Oil Spill who are working to rebuild their lives and their communities by facilitating their access to the essential recovery resources they need. In order to effectively fulfill this mission the Center goes beyond merely offering its own programming by actively coordinating a multi-agency collaborative of organizations from across the greater New Orleans area which are invited to provide services at its facility, thereby creating a "one-stop shop" recovery resource center.

Results: Current Projects: • Mustard Seed Distribution Program: This program addresses emergency needs by supplying free food, household supplies, hygiene products, and clothes to low-income residents. During 2011, the Mustard Seed Food Pantry provided 263,634 lbs of food to 1,583 low income families (4,351 individuals), including over 1,100 children ages 17 & under. And more than 200 families received free clothes at the Mustard Seed Clothing Bank every week. • Media Lab: The Media Lab offers free internet access and computer classes for individuals and businesses, along with faxing and copying services to enable residents to seek employment, keep in contact with family members, and find applicable federal, state and local aid programs. The media lab has 8 internet-connected computers with free printing. During 2011, a total of 3,889 sessions were logged on the media lab computers, and 156 residents signed up for free basic computer classes. • Referrals: During 2011, the Community Center passed out 9,816 informational flyers, forms and brochures to help clients find the help they needed. Office staff also made 4,778 referrals to aid programs such as housing, utility bill assistance, child care, and dental services. • Community Building Events: During 2011, the Community Center of St Bernard was the site for more than 120 social events including holiday celebrations, workshops, seminars, bingo nights, and kids arts & crafts sessions. The Center provided Thanksgiving baskets and canned goods to low-income families so that more than 1,024 local residents could enjoy a festive holiday meal at home with family and friends. And more than 1,200 toys were given out to 421 low-income children at the annual Holiday Celebration and Toy GiveAway. During 2012, the Center has continued popular activities like our weekly Bingo games and NA meetings, as well as offering a Bike Safety Workshop, a St Patrick's Day Dance, a Volunteer Appreciation Awards Ceremony and Dance, and a Memorial Day Community Outreach Fair. And we held the first annual Blues in da Parish Festival on October 20, 2012.

Target demographics: Disaster surivors in St Bernard Parish, Louisiana, who are still struggling to rebuild after hurricanes Katrina and Isaac and the Gulf Oil Spill devastated their lives and their homes.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 5,000

Geographic areas served: Greater New Orleans

Programs: Provide food/clothing/education/entertainment to residents of st bernard parish