Nicole Bouie
Executive Director of the Community Commitment Education Center (8540 Spruce St, New Orleans, LA 70118)
Click on this link to visit CCEC's Facebook page.
Click this link to visit CCEC's website.
How long have you lived in the Carrollton area? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in New Orleans in the Pension Town neighborhood. The only years away were those spent at LSU in Baton Rouge where I received my Undergraduate degree in Psychology and my Master's degree in Social Work.
How did you originally get involved in your neighborhood or association?
My parents Rogers and Stella Bouie have always been an influential part of my life. My father was one of the founding members of the Carrollton Prayer Band and my mom has always been involved in grass roots neighborhood development. My mom always took care of kids and adults in need in the Carrollton area. She either babysat them and their children, cooked their family a hot meal, picked them up for church, or made their prom dresses. My parents understood that it would take a village and my mother made sure I knew that I was a part of that village.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I love the smell in the early morning and the view of the river at the end of Leonidas and Leake. I have seen some beautiful places, but to me, there is nothing better than a cup of coffee and a view of the Mississippi River.
What successes have you had in your neighborhood?
The Community Commitment Education Center's existence is a success. We began in my living room in 2006 and then spent several years within my church (Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church). To now have our own facility at 8540 Spruce St. is a blessing. To have a child that may have attended our afterschool program or our summer camp come back just to say hello or smile when they pass on the street is definitely defined as success. Finally, to have our seniors, the persons who worked with my parents, come to the center and enjoy our programs means the world to me.
What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?
Right now the Center is struggling for funding. We need community financial support and volunteers to continue providing for the community. We will begin our community art class on March 12. Our cooking class will begin on March 14th, and we will begin enrolling students in April for our summer camp, "A Taste of New Orleans and Louisiana History." This will be year 10 for our summer camp. In May, we will once again participate in the GiveNola fundraising effort, for which we hope to raise enough funds to continue all of our free programs for community members. Funds are needed to support our afterschool program and our senior programs.
Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers?
Advice! This work is only for those who truly believe in community. Change does not happen overnight and those who you once considered a foe you will need as a friend.
Share some random facts about yourself!
Random Fact: I love a pig lip with lays potato chips, a snickers candy bar, and a coke. Naturally New Orleans baby!