E-Newsletter
3rd & 4th Qtr.09
Newsletter Title
Issue No.
Greetings!

The Urban League of Greater New Orleans is in its 71st year of providing services and advocacy to the Greater New Orleans community.  2009 has been an eventful year, one in which we have achieved new levels of success and seen what the power of collective partnership can accomplish.  Change.  Hope. Results.  In this newsletter, you will learn about new funding to enhance our policy work, and read about the outstanding efforts of our front-line staff and program participants.  You will learn how the Urban League of Greater New Orleans has positively empowered lives and also gain a sense of the commitment and vision of our staff to do more for the community.  We sincerely care about our clients and want them to reach their greatest potential.  Their success is our true legacy.  We look forward to your support of the Urban League in the year ahead and assure you that the best is yet to come.  We accept the challenges that this century brings, and will continue to provide leadership and a strong sense of hope through the delivery of programs and services with high quality and accountability.  

 

 
Yours In the Movement,
Nolan V. Rollins, President & CEO
Urban League of Greater New Orleans
 
 
United States Census 2010:  It's In Our HandsCensus1                        We are pleased to announce that the Urban League of Greater New Orleans is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to help achieve a complete and accurate count of our nation's growing population in 2010. By supporting the 2010 Census, we will help raise awareness of this important initiative and work to increase the overall response rate in the community and beyond.  "New Orleans' response to the 2010 Census will be a critical road map for future funding of essential services such as infrastructure, education, recreation, and medical assistance. This is a time in our history like never before, when we must all unite to inspire change in our communities. Participating in the 2010 Census and encouraging others to do the same is one simple way you can make a difference in your life and the lives of others.
 
Participation in the 2010 Census is easy, important and safe.  The form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.  Census forms will be mailed or delivered to households  in March of 2010.  Please be the first to complete and return your census form and encourage others to do the same.  Attached are pictures from the Grand Opening of the Local Census Headquarters on December 14, 2009.  The Grand Opening of the Local Census Office is only one of several major steps taken to meet the challenges of counting the populations of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and Orleans Parishes post Hurricane Katrina. As part of the massive 2010 Census awareness campaign, the region office will serve as the central location for processing on-the-ground field reports and surveys vital to the goal of achieving the most complete and accurate count. To learn more, visit 2010census.gov and www.urbanleagueneworleans.org.
 
Parent Leadership Soars
to New HeightsPIC1
As New Orleans rebuilds its public school system using a market-model, success at eradicating failing schools is directly tied to how informed parents are to make substantive decisions regarding their child's education.  Parental involvement continues to challenge practitioners engaged in school reform despite being a required component of many school improvement initiatives. Research shows that when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, students perform better in school and schools improve.  The Urban League Parent Information Center (ULPIC) recognizes the critical need to equip parents with knowledge of public education policy and information on the variables that drive student achievement.  Accordingly, ULPIC is addressing that need through one of its signature programs, the Parent Leadership Academy.  In keeping with national inclusive models, the Academy is an intensive program designed to train parents on how to become leaders in schools.  Ultimately, participants will design and implement school-based projects that have a lasting impact on student achievement.  The training is for parents or caretakers of all backgrounds and education levels.  For example, a parent who is a chef or artist can implement a healthy eating or fine arts program; and a parent who has strong communication and leadership skills can start a parent organization.  Following the initial launch, the Academy has already caused a buzz amongst educational leaders around the city. Though each milestone realized is an important step in the overall process, true success will be had when students succeed through the combined efforts of parents and schools. 
Parent Information Center Provides Guide to Holiday Resources
While it is nice to have a break from the academic rigors of the school year during the holiday season, teachers can agree that some children struggle to get back into the routine of learning when school begins again. Not only is there an interruption in learning during the holiday break, but both kids and parents alike are "thrown" out of their regular schedule.  Maintaining a consistent learning routine helps to keep kids focused and in learning mode, which can alleviate some of the readjusting that comes with returning to school. Even though the formality of school is drawing to an end for another year, the opportunity for all students to continue to learn should not be neglected over the holidays.  This is why the Urban League Parent Information Center created a holiday resource guide for parents.
 
The guide contains academic resources for parents so children can ensure their children continue the lessons received in school. Some resources include websites where parents can print math and handwriting worksheets.  There are also links to website where kids can take quizzes and play educational games.  The guide also lists books that parents can read with their kids. Children need to continue to read and be read to. Research shows that children greatly benefit from being read to and are more likely to extend their own reading ability, comprehension, and fluency. It also enhances their knowledge, and has the capacity to develop their creative writing talents (Newbold, 2009). Many of the books listed are holiday-related and offer opportunities for "teachable moments." 
 
 The Parent Information Center has mailed or hand-delivered hard and electronic copies to approximately 80 schools so they can distribute the guides to their parents. In addition the guide was emailed to approximately 400 parents. We hope that the resources and activities will encourage family time and make everyone's holiday filled with family fun and laughter.    
Newbold, G. (December 3rd, 2009). Holidays - A great time to continue to learn. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from http://www.scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au/news/2009/12/03/learning-during-holidays.
ehs1_news 
Urban League Early Head Start Center Tops In  Parent Turn-out 
With 100% parent participation as a program goal, the Urban League Early Head Start staff and parents won 1st prize for the most parents to participate in the Annual Parent Involvement Workshop sponsored by Total Community Action held December 5, 2009.  During the workshop, parents gained valuable information in the areas of health, literacy, economics and parenting.  Urban League Early Head Start parents, Brian Swinney, Sr. and Tracey Mosely used their "creative juices" in developing a banner, as well as t-shirts centered on the workshop's theme, "It Takes a Village/City Hall."  During the month of October, Urban League Early Head Start parents and staff answered the call for donations and contributed over 200 non-perishable food items to the Second Harvest Food Bank.  The donations were made through the United Way in collaboration with the New Orleans Hornets.  Parents and staff answered with a rousing YES when the call went out for donations.  Items such as peanut butter, jelly, pasta, dried beans and rice were received.  Recipients of the donations will be families in the Greater New Orleans area whose pantries become scarce during the winter months.   Individuals who donated items will receive two (2) tickets to the New Orleans Hornets versus Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game. 
 
Urban League College Track - Year In Review
ct1ct_josh
Urban League College Track (ULCT) served 82 rising 9th and 10th grade students in its second annual Academic Summer Advancement Program (ASAP) at the University of New Orleans, June 22, 2009- July 31, 2009.  ASAP was funded in part by a generous grant from the Wallace Foundation and the Louisiana Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.   ASAP is intentionally designed to Provide support for a positive transition into high school. One of the signature programs in ASAP was "Lunch & Learn," a guest speakers series developed and coordinated by Judge Terri F. Love of the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The career speakers' bureau was designed to introduce students to a variety of professionals and was held each Wednesday during the ASAP.  Guest speakers included Rev. Moses S. Gordon, III,  Jerald Freeman & Ashton Harper, Terry Scott, Terry Jones, Dr. Charles Coleman,  the Hon. Ellen Hazeur, Nakisha Ervin- Knott and Elizabeth Williams. 
  
United States Army sponsors Tenth Grade Camping Tripct_army
The Gillis Long Center in Carville, Louisiana was the location for a camping trip targeted at Urban League College Track's tenth graders.The camping trip, sponsored by the United States Army was held July 13- 17, 2009.  As a part of the ULCT experience, all rising 10th graders participated in the week-long trip designed to develop skills in leadership, goal setting, teambuilding, and coping.  Students were also introduced to natural and environmental information.  Many students had never had the opportunity to leave their immediate surroundings.  Most had never been to the wilderness.  By making the experience an Urban League College Track requirement, students will be exposed to the beauty, wonder and challenges of the outdoors.  They will not be able to resort to their usual ways of operating; therefore opening up new ways of looking at the world, their peers and themselves.  It was an enlightening and empowering experience as each student pushed themselves mentally and physically and walked away from the trip with a deep feeling of satisfaction and pride.
 
Championing Our Students Law Camp
Four Urban League College Track studentct_laws, Kia Lewis (Warren Easton HS), Candace Gautreaux (McDonough 35 HS), Irene Beauvais and Darielle Trotter (Thurgood Marshall Early College HS) participated in the Championing Our Students ("COS") Summer Law Camp in Chicago, IL, which was developed by the Division for Public Education of the American Bar Association with its local community providers, Graduation Pathways Department of Chicago Public Schools, the Jackson County Civic Action Committee of Mississippi, the United Way of Greater New Orleans Area, the YMCA of Greater Providence and the Good Samaritan Foundation of Washington, DC.  Participating
students, a select group of 30 from around the United States, were provided with the opportunity to visit and stay one week at the University of Chicago. The camp was designed to introduce students to the legal profession.

Youth Mapping Project
In partnership with Mapping Initiative 2009, a project sponsored by the Greater New Orleans Afterschool Partnership, Urban League College Track students have pounded sidewalks this year gathering their own descriptions of youth resources for inclusion on an interactive Web site: neworleans.ilivehere.info.  The website lists everything from recreation centers to arts programs such as the Cops for Kids Summer Camp on Lafreniere Street to Start the Adventure In Reading on State Street. As Commissioner of the State of New York's youth services division, Richard Murphy started teen mapping in 1992.  Now Executive Director of Youthline America, a New York non-profit organization, Youthline America recently teamed with the Greater New Orleans Afterschool Partnership to implement Youthline's mapping "curriculum" and software in New Orleans.  Urban League College Track students have canvassed swaths of the city and are paid a stipend for their work.  So far, students have mapped Central City, St. Roch, Gentilly and the Freret Street corridor. They plan to canvass the entire city by 2010.  On October 24, 2009, Urban League College Track Youth Mappers received the 2009 Youth Change Maker Award from the Gulfsouth Youth Action Corps.
Urban League and Walgreens Together Again to Champion Wellness Walgreens1
On November 26th - December 7th,   the National Urban League and Walgreen's Wellness Tour made its way to the Crescent City.   The tour aims to provide important health screenings at a time when many cannot afford preventive health care. The partnership through its network and resources hopes to administer more than a million free health screenings in communities across America to provide adults with a critical foundation for early disease detection and prevention. The Urban League of Greater New Orleans, the local representative for the tours, coordinated various locations for the screenings including the Cresent City Carpenters House, The Wall, Badine Central Parking Systems on  Iberville St & N Peters St, Shot-Lot Central Parking Systems on Poydras St & Ciara St, Walgreens stores on N. Broad, S. Claiborne and Elysian Fields, EXCELth in conjunction with Dillard University, Xavier University and First Baptist Church.  Over the ten days, individuals received free blood glucose, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density and waist circumference screenings. 
Women's Business Resource Center Announces Business Grand Openings
The Urban League of Greater New Orleans' Women's Business Resource Center (WBRC) is pleased to announce the opening of two more small businesses in the Greater New Orleans area.  Featured are Halo Med & Wellness Spa and the Dutchess Bed and Breakfast.  The businesses received hours of training from WBRC's professional consultants and the Urban League looks forward to providing continued service to these clients throughout their growth cycles.  WBRC_HalomedProprieter Donyel Bocage opened the doors of Halo Med & Wellness Spa at 4700 Wichers Dr., suite 207,  in Marrero, Louisiana.  The Spa  offers alternative cleansing such as colonics, ear candling, gourmet enemas, as well as maintenance products.  The 1500 square foot facility is within walking distance of West Jefferson Hospital. With society's renewed focus on health, Donyel hopes that clients will seek out the services of Halo Med to renew their mind, body and spirit. Halo Med & Wellness Spa provides a variety of services and treatments that impact overall health and well-being and trains clients to change their diet and exercise regimes.  Halo Med & Wellness Spa is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6 pm, and Saturday by appointment.  For more information on Halo Med Spa, visit them online at www.halomedspa.net.WBRC_Duchess
 
WBRC client Juanita Jackson showcased her spectacularly designed and decorated  Duchess Bed and Breakfast to an audience of community leaders and neighborhood locals, which included a traditional Second Line followed by remarks from Councilwoman Stacy Head.  Duchess Bed and Breakfast is located at 833 Sixth Street in the Lower Garden District.  After ten years of development and research, Ms. Jackson decided the time was right to make a change in her community and seized the opportunity to purchase one of many vacant and abandoned properties in her area.  She and her husband invested their savings but faced many hurdles with overcoming zoning and permit issues. When hope was down Juanita came to the Women's Business Resource Center seeking information on art resources.  In addition to art resources, Mrs. Jackson received a Business Plan, QuickBooks sessions, Entrepreneurial Training classes and hours of face to face business counseling.  Duchess Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful 8 bedroom 8 bath facility that boldly mixes non-traditional character and old school charm with 21st century amenities.  For a facility viewing or to make a reservation, Duchess Bed and Breakfast can be reached at (504)251-3825.
                            Opportunities Unfold for John Broyard
JohnBroyard
Seeking a new career to empower his life, John Broyard decided to apply to Coastal Truck Driving School.  He was interested in a scholarship opportunity and was referred to the Urban League's Unlocking Opportunities Program.  He immediately applied to the program along with four other candidates.  There were only three scholarships available at that time.  John ranked fourth on the TABE, but was determined to win the scholarship.  Because of his tenacity and great personality John was able to hedge out the competition and was awarded the scholarship.  John started classes at Coastal on June 29, 2009.  He worked really hard at excelling and it paid off.  The support system he received at the Urban League has been a key component in his success.  Graduating from Coastal College in July, John received his CDL license and began employment with Lou Rippner's Compass Furniture Company. During his exit interview, John stated "I am extremely grateful to the Urban League for giving me this opportunity.  I am a better person because of this experience." Because of his commitment to succeed, not only has John accomplished his goal of becoming a truck driver, but made the first step toward running his own trucking company.  Unlocking Opportunities has provided John with the tools he needs to start his own business.  His earning potential has increased and his dreams have become a reality. Unlocking Opportunities is a program of the Bush Clinton Katrina fund and is designed to offer men and women ages 18 - 24 a chance to increase earning potential by providing connections and financial support to attend vocational training, associate and bachelor degree programs.
Prescription Savings Cards Available Now! 
The Urban League in conjunction with the National Urban League is proud to present the Prescription Savings Program. Simply present the National Urban League prescription card at a participating pharmacy and save on many of your prescription drugs. You, your family, and your friends may use the savings card any time your prescription is not covered by insurance. It even works for many pet medications! Finding a pharmacy is easy: 8 out of 10 pharmacies nationwide accept your savings card.

Benefits:
� No age limit
� No pre-existing condition restrictions
� No waiting period
� No membership fee
� No enrollment fee
� Instant activation with the National Urban League Prescription Drug Card, you will receive the lowest price available for generic and brand prescription medications at over 55,000 pharmacies, including all major chains.  The cards may also be picked up at the Urban League at 2322 Canal Street.

There is also a convenient option for home or office delivery, visit www.orchardrx.com or call (866) 909-5170 for more information about deliveries.

Click here to download the card! 
Financial Connections Graduates Become                      "Money Wise"                                                                     HispanicAposThe Urban League's Financial Connections program is helping women of the Hispanic Apostolate English as a Second Language Class take charge of their financial futures. The class aims to teach that smart money decisions have a critical impact on one's personal and professional lives in terms of reaching your financial goals. Classes cover opening and managing a checking account, the paperwork required to open an account, writing checks, making deposits, recording your transactions in a register, making your money grow, the ABC's of credit and maintaining your credit. The program serves clients from diverse communities, many with unique cultural and language barriers. To further assist clients, Urban League partnered with ASI Federal Credit Union. ASI now offers its members the opportunity to open a dual savings account with 2 ATM cards.  One ATM card is kept locally and one is sent to a family member elsewhere, with a goal to make the funds accessible via ATM's in the client's respective country of origin.  This service is free.  It was created to relieve customers of fees applied to wire transfers.  
Urban League Receives Community Impact Grant Award
Recently, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans was awarded a Community Impact Grant through the Greater New Orleans Foundation.  The Foundation awarded grants totaling $1million to 49 area nonprofit organizations.  The grant provides the Urban League with funds to further develop its policy agenda and strengthen its service delivery model.  In this time of renewal and re-invention there is opportunity to affect change beyond supplying direct services.  The Center of Policy and Social Justice identifies and informs public discourse and policy to eradicate institutional barriers which inhibit the broader aims of the organization's programmatic thrust.  We believe we can best serve our communities and community partners by creating and publishing a Policy Agenda that increases awareness and a platform to effect systemic change in education, economics and social justice in the region.
Urban League Elects New Members to Board of Directors
In an October 21st meeting of the Directors of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, the following new Directors were elected:  Mark S. Boucree (Vice President of Community Development Banking for Capital One Bank), Maida Jones (Executive Vice President of Guico Industries for the Southern Region), Michael Griffin (President/CEO of Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans), Dottie Reese (partner with DMM & Associates), Peggy Grandpre (Deputy Director of Marketing for the Port of New Orleans), Dennis McSeveney (Dean Emeritus of the College of Liberal Arts, Associate Provost Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of New Orleans), Keely Carrere Thibodeaux (Deputy Program Manager and Senior Project Manager for MWH Americas) and Johmyrin Johnson (Chemistry and Biology instructor,New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School).  "We are excited and gratified that these experienced education and business professionals have agreed to serve on our Board of Directors at this exciting period in our organization's history," - Nolan V. Rollins, President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans.
Urban League Young Professionals Capture Spirit of the Season                                                                          Holiday_09_yp1
Urban League Young Professionals  embraced the spirit of season by hosting a Holiday Cook-off and an Adopt-A-Child initiative.  Over 30 ULYP members and friends came together to donate toys, books, uniforms, shoes, mp-3 players, gift cards and games to children ages 5-17.  Not only did ULYP members donate items, but all participated in wrapping the gifts together.  These gifts were delivered to schools so that families would have the wrapped gifts just in time for Christmas. Urban League Young Professionals captured the Spirit of the Movement this holiday season!
About Us
Founded in 1938, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans is one of 102 affiliates of the National Urban League.  The Urban League exists to improve the social and economic well-being of African American and other emerging communities. The Urban League's three Centers of Excellence offers programs and services in education and youth development, economic and workforce development and public policy and advocacy.  For more information, visit us online at www.urbanleagueneworleans.org.  Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ulgno.  You may also become our friend on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Urban-League-of-Greater-New-Orleans/151886576162.  The Urban League is a participating agency of the United Way for the Greater New Orleans area.