Dear Neighbor,

Here at the Beacon of Hope, we have much to be thankful for during this holiday season. As we reflect on accomplishments and challenges of 2011, we'd like to share with you some highlights from this year.

At the beginning of this year, we saw great work happening in Beacon neighborhoods. But what good is success if you don't share it with your neighbors? So, with the help of the Gentilly Civic Improvement Association (GCIA), we hosted the Gentilly Open House, a community event that brought together neighborhood leaders from the 22 subdivisions of Gentilly. Relationships were built, ideas exchanged, and energy reinvested in the community.

Speaking of successful events, this season of the Harrison Avenue Marketplace has been the best yet! With a growing number of vendors and participants, plus exciting new entertainers, the market has been flourishing! But it's not over yet. Don't miss the final market of 2011 on Wednesday December 14th, featuring musical guest Eudora Evans and Deep Soul back by popular demand.

Although business is booming on Harrison Avenue, for many New Orleanians, recovery remains an issue. With the help of 2,940 volunteers who worked a total of 22,565 hours, our Volunteer Department has completed 52 projects on homes and 200 lot clearings in Beacon neighborhoods this year. Thank you to the volunteers who continue to give their time and labor, to our Beacon neighborhood leaders who help to identify residents in need, and to the recipients of our projects, because all of you play an integral role in bringing our communities back. 

Thank you all for making 2011 a great year for us at Beacon of Hope and thank you for your continued support in helping revitalize New Orleans!