Endings and Beginnings

The past few weeks have been enormously busy down here on the Gulf Coast. The camp where I live, D'Iberville Volunteers Foundation, is preparing to close its tent flaps. In a few weeks, on June 21 and 22, we will be hosting an enormous celebration to showcase the nearly 1,000 homes that DVF has repaired, rehabbed and built from scratch since August 2005. I'm proud to have been a part of such a dynamic organization that has made such a profound impact on so many.

Another ending: The Red Cross just announced that it has allocated its last funds for this disaster. They have spent millions here to help, but there is so much more to do. Thankfully, more groups are starting or shifting shape to accommodate the ongoing needs facing residents here. In Waveland, three VISTA volunteers have taken initiative to start DreamFuel to focus on the challenges of engaging teenagers in volunteering and positive activities. In the 9th Ward in Louisiana, where hundreds of homes still need to be gutted, a man named Mack has started The Village with a vision to bring together community groups and residents to cut through the red tape of recovery.

One important chapter is closing this month, but there's a lot of book left to read. If you'd like to volunteer, please feel free to email me to find out how we can match you with the best opportunity.