News and Updates

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I have been involved, lived and worked into the community since I was 12 years old. My husband and I have been doing this on ground community work since 1999. The schools I went to were Brady, Colton Jr. High, Nicholls Sr. High and my last year Rabouin High for Nursing and Secretary training. My mother, Auntee, Cousin and Mother-In-Law reside here. They were all part of the Edgewood Heights Association before Hurricane Katrina, and worked very hard after. My goal is to increase/help the quality of life of those who are saying we have no help.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

My husband and I got involved in our community because there was a need to help others. Other communities were building back, receiving funding for their families and we never had a true leader to help. We were concerned with the State Department wanting to build a Probation Office on Franklin and also Sewerage & Water Board building up their property, whereas the residents' homes would be drowned out during a heavy rain. We did effectively receive lighting throughout the neighborhood and especially towards the back. This was from the Probation Office. Sewerage Water Board placed sheeting – wrapping/partition going all across their fence so the residents would not be able to see their trucks and dirt. This lasted about 5 years with SWB. The Dahlia Walk Tunnel was closed; this was during Mayor Nagin's reign. After Hurricane Katrina, we brought in buses of people to clean out damaged homes for free.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love that we are a small community. No matter where I live or go this is my community. When I was young we use to sit on the front porch and never be afraid, because we all knew each other. Seniors and retired residents always watched the activities going on from their porch. We are a small pocket of homeowners, renters, and businesses who know everyone.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

Within the last three years we have had wonderful success with the Cantrell Administration in Infrastructure of the streets, trash, etc. Edgewood Heights Association has became incorporated as a viable community. A few of our seniors and low-income families were having problems making ends meet month by month, so we now have a small food pantry which does help meet their needs. I'm able to do this because I have a Bachelor's in Food/Nutrition. We are at the end of a cul-de-sac at the end of Peoples Avenue and Dahlia Walk, and it's hard for seniors with no transportation to go to the grocery several times a month. The Community Vegetable Garden will help with this also.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

At present we are working on our Community Vegetable Garden, crime cameras, working to get involved with the GDD, working with the Mayor and her team, Councilman, SELA, SWB to improve our infrastructure/streets. We are working on returning the "No Truck Route" sign back on Franklin Avenue and Abundance Street, and we are working with our neighborhood police. We are working on our 501C3, because we are in need of a Community Center. This would take me out of the equation and place it all upon the community. We also would like a "School Crossing Sign" on Franklin Avenue and a community name sign on the neutral ground on Franklin Avenue.

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change-makers?

The only advise that I can give to other neighborhood leaders is to work with your City leaders, and communicate with the officials who are there to help. Be and stay positive, and speak out for your community because God placed you there as their voice.