Community Initiatives Foundation worked directly with Katrina survivors through 2012. During the second phase, Neighbors Keepers, a conversation with a mother inspired TakeCare, the current phase of work related to the needs of children and families who experience trauma either through tragic events or poverty.

Once Renaissance Village and other trailer parks began to close, there was need to assist families who did not qualify for sustained FEMA housing. Sister Judith partnered with Randy Nichols and the Capitol Area Alliance for the Homeless to assist well over 100 families needing housing. This phase was called Neighbors Keepers.

While a mother in this program was meeting with one of the counselors, Sister Judith was in the playroom with the mother’s one year old son, Ernest. Ernest was in his ‘roller chair’ and Sister Judith was on the floor facing him. They were laughing when the mom walked back. The mother asked what they were doing. Sister Judith answered they were talking. The mom said, “He can’t talk.” Sister agreed he couldn’t yet talk well and asked the mom to watch as Ernest was eager to continue their ‘conversation’ and they babbled and laughed back and forth. With authority in her voice, the mom said, “That’s not the way it works. One day he’ll just start talking.”

That experience and research grew into the development of TakeCare which is a neighborhood-based program involving mothers in their own development and the full development of their children. School and life success depends on the early development of children, especially in terms of relationships and communication. Members of low income families often face trauma and loss. Many lack the early relationships and the focused development so critical to a child’s readiness for school and life. This is a research-based program that is slowly showing success.

The art in Katrina Through The Eyes Of Children continues to be a tool to raise awareness and understanding of children and teens who experience trauma and loss. Neighbors Keepers continued that work by housing families not qualifying for FEMA assistance. TakeCare sustains the lessons learned from Katrina.

Community Initiatives Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed.

Karla Leopold, Leo Bonamy, Megan Perez and teams of other volunteers donated their time and expertise to assist Katrina families in their healing. They also created the foundation for Neighbors Keepers and for TakeCare to continue the work that focuses on trauma, loss, and the development of children.

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