SDOP partners with New Orleans and Delta Wetlands

By Joseph Johnson

Presbyterian Self-Development of People continues to be active in New Orleans through its partnerships with A Community Voice and Voice of the Ex-Offender. We collaborate with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Presbyterian Hunger Program to partner with New Orleans and Delta Wetlands community groups.

Self-Development of People is partnering with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Presbyterian Hunger Program (the three ministries supported by the One Great Hour of Sharing offering) in collaborative ministry in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina. Our goal is to work with communities to build resiliency and transform the lives of those still impacted by Hurricane Katrina and subsequent disastrous events.

Jointly working with neighborhood associations in New Orleans and with indigenous groups in the Delta region, the OGHS collaborative effort will seek to prepare for and mitigate disasters, increase prosperity and power in communities, build self-reliance and food sovereignty, and educate and motivate faithful action among Presbyterians on these particular problems and underlying issues as well as those in their own contexts.

Joseph Johnson is a member of the National Self-Development of People Committee and has previously served as National Committee Chair. He has also served as International Task Force chairperson for the Self-Development of People National Committee (2005 to 2008).

Are you a member of a group of low-income persons working on issues of importance to you and your community? Will working on these issues result in long-term positive change? Are you in need of financial assistance?  Contact SDOP at (502) 569-5782, (www.pcusa.org/sdop). We would welcome talking with you and possibly hosting a community workshop in your area.