Pulaski Technical College: two year community college in central Arkansas

2008 SGA New Orleans Report

On January 2-4, 2008, the Student Government Association embarked on its fourth community service trip to New Orleans, LA. The largest group of nine students and advisors had an amazing experience. Group members included: Augusta Farver, Summer Brown, Stacy Kellar, Tyrone Sanders, William Clay, Jennifer Crumpton, Alicia Stolzer, Matthew Rougley, and Kris Parr. While in New Orleans, the group volunteered through the Louisiana United Methodist Disaster Recovery Ministry. The group worked for two days to help Ms. Louise Joseph, a retiree, paint the interior of her home, doors, trim, and crown molding. Ms. Joseph is still in battle with the insurance company and has invested all of her retirement into the rebuilding of her home. She has been dislocated from her home for 2 and ½ years and is understandably eager to finish her project and move home. She indicated to us that when her bedroom and bathroom are complete, she will move in and complete the rest of the house as she can.

The Louisiana United Methodist Disaster Recovery Ministry reported that for the past two years, the state of Louisiana receives $18.04 per volunteer hour. So far, the volunteers have given $33 million dollars back to the state of Louisiana. During the two days the Pulaski Tech group was there, they worked to give back close to $1300.00. The Disaster Recovery Ministry expects they will need volunteers well through the year 2010.

It was an honor to volunteer and meet Ms. Louise Joseph. We hope to return to her home in May and find her in a completely restored home. The entire group was changed from this experience and feels blessed to share in the rebuilding of lives.

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