News and Updates

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

My wife and I moved to the DeSaix neighborhood about six years ago.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

We began going to DeSaix Area Neighborhood Association meetings shortly after moving into the neighborhood and became active members in the group not long after that.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

I love how friendly our neighbors are. When we have out-of-town company they frequently marvel at how many of our neighbors we know and talk to when we're out walking in our neighborhood.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?                                                    

Our Neighborhood Association plans recurring service projects like providing breakfast for the 3rd District NOPD one Saturday during Carnival season, cleaning out storm drains, and trimming crape myrtles. We also plan one-off events. A few years ago we hosted a BBQ and Blood Drive at Langston Hughes Academy. Additionally, the guest speakers who join our general meetings serve to help keep our neighbors informed about current events in the community. Councilmember Giarrusso and State Representative Willard attend nearly all of our meetings. We also have guest speakers who will reach out to us and request some time to speak about a specific subject. Shelby Wynne, the Program Manager with Family Connects New Orleans, will be attending our September meeting to discuss her program, which offers in-home nurse visits to the parents of newborns.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

Presently, we are hoping to organize a Halloween trick-or-treating event for the kids in and around the neighborhood. It may not happen in 2023, but fingers crossed for 2024.

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leadersand change-makers?

Get involved with your Neighborhood Association. It's really gratifying to see your neighbors connected with the resources they need, which is something neighborhood groups can help facilitate. I would also encourage anyone who might be interested to apply for the Civic Leadership Academy. If you're inclined to be of service to your community, it helps to have some basic knowledge of city government, which the Civic Leadership Academy provides.