ECSLA exists to serve the poor, work for justice, and build “The Beloved Community” throughout the Diocese of Louisiana. This mission is carried out by facilitating the church’s response to crisis—both in short-term disasters and long-term wounds of poverty, racism, exclusion and lack of opportunity—seeking always to serve the most vulnerable members of our communities. Through this ministry, ECSLA also creates opportunities for service learning and the mutual transformation that occurs when we encounter one another as neighbors. We fulfill this mission by connecting the resources of our Church to communities in need. ECSLA believes in ministry with, not charity to, the poor. We strive to uphold the dignity of each and every person with whom we work. We believe that diverse community partnerships lead to more effective social change. Thus, meaningful and lasting relationships are at the heart of ECSLA’s work. And, we believe that if we are creative in the use of our resources—buildings, talents, programs, and networks—the church can have a transformative impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people around us.
We invite you to join us in striving to rebuild a more Beloved Community, where:
- Biblical standards of human decency and justice do not allow us to tolerate homelessness, hunger, or the impoverishment and diminishment of our fellow human beings.
- We cherish the image of God in each other and are blessed with an all-inclusive spirit of sister- and brotherhood.
- A critical mass of people has agreed that the attainment of these standards is possible, and God’s grace has made our hands strong to achieve them.
Our Programs
Our work is in south Louisiana, but our mission is one of service to the whole church. We create greater sustainability in the lives of the poor, strengthen our Diocesan capacity to respond to disasters, and create transformative service learning opportunities.
Case Management
ECSLA’s case managers work holistically with families struggling through difficult economic times.
Success Story: A family of four found themselves homeless after the father lost his work at a spillway-flooded shipyard. ECSLA’s case manager pulled together resources from all quarters to resettle them in an affordable apartment, tiding the family over until the father secured a new job at a nearby shipyard.
2010/2011 Impact of the Case Management Program
- Morgan City: Helping 50–70 families to achieve sustainability in jobs and housing
- New Orleans: 415 families provided with housing, job-search, and other support to get back on their feet
Learn more about the Case Management Program
Liv
ing With Purpose Fellowship
For seven extraordinary young adults, the opportunity to serve vulnerable residents while deepening their own faith journey was a calling. Through intentional living and service, they seek solidarity with the poor, and are transformed into leaders who live with true purpose.
2010/2011 Impact of the Living With Purpose Program
- New Orleans: 14 Living With Purpose Fellows participate in year-long program of service, and spiritual development
- Baton Rouge: Launching Living With Purpose Fellowship branch in fall 2012
More information about the Living With Purpose Program
Volunteer Program
For the 12,000 volunteers that ECSLA has engaged in hurricane recovery efforts since 2006, the service experience does not stop when they leave Louisiana. “This ministry opens your heart to things you may not have been open to. Mission work is a priority for our parish going forward.”
2010/2011 Impact of the Volunteer Program
- National: Over 2,600 volunteers from across the country coordinated
More information about the Volunteer Program
Rebuild Program
The economic value of ECSLA’s gutting and rebuild work over the past five years exceeds $14 million.
Success story: After Mrs. M’s drug-addicted daughter stole over $40,000 of her Road Home funds, she was stuck in a half-completed home. Wheelchair bound, Mrs. M had to crawl across the floor to reach her non-accessible bathroom. In rebuilding her home, ECSLA also restored her dignity.
2010/2011 Impact of the Rebuild Program
- New Orleans: 21 homes rebuilt at a value to homeowners of $2,000,000; volunteers repaired 16 other homes
More information about the Rebuild Program
Gaudet Fund
In stewarding the powerful legacy of Blessed Frances Joseph Gaudet, ECSLA provides educational opportunity to hundreds of students each year.
2010/2011 Impact of the Gaudet Fund
- Diocese-wide: $207,500 in scholarships and $85,000 in grants awarded to support the education of African-American youth
More information about the Gaudet Fund
Disaster Preparedness
We work with churches to prepare for future disasters with a focus on safeguarding assets, caring for vulnerable parishioners, and serving the wider community.
Post BP Oil Spill Relief: Community Dinners
ECSLA continues to support resilience in the wake of the BP oil spill by providing spiritual care at a series of community dinners throughout lower Terrebonne Parish.
2010/2011 Impact of the Disaster Preparedness & Response Programs
- Terrebonne Parish, post-BP spill: 2,000 people reached with community meals
- Morganza Spillway area: Supported clergy to be prepared
- State: Advocacy changed policies, reducing barriers to housing recovery; contributed to Stafford Act reform
- International: $38,000 raised for Japan