It was no surprise to learn that one of our own was going to New Orleans to help rebuild St. Bernard Parish. Johnnie Snipes is volunteering for the second year and when she let us know that she needed a little help with expenses, in no time co-workers donated $500 for her trip.

 

This year we’re following her adventure and thought you would like to join us. She’s sending pictures and comments when she can and we’re posting them on the Peachtree By Sage Facebook page. Log in and follow along. We’ll send updates on Twitter, too, so this might be a good time to sign up for Peachtree By Sage tweets.

 

 

Here’s what Johnnie said before she left: “I first learned of the St Bernard Project (SBP), a non-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding St Bernard Parish, while reading about a Sage employee who took her son to volunteer for their vacation.  I saw the initial devastation as well as the destruction that still remains 3-4 years later and I wondered, ‘What if it were my family?  My community?’

 

One thing I like most about this group is its focus on rebuilding existing homes -- those damaged by the storms, but still standing. Many of these people have lived almost their whole lives in these houses and rebuilding them will bring back more than just a shelter.

 

I was so moved I signed up for their Women’s Week Rebuild in October 2008.  It cost me a week of vacation time and close to $500, but I got so much more in return. 

 

This year, with the ailing economy, I didn’t think I’d be able to afford to go back, but I didn’t want to give up.  I put out a collection jar at work and before I knew it had enough money to go again. 

 

I hope to make this an annual event until all the homes have been rebuilt. It seems overwhelming, but together we can do anything one small step at a time. I want to thank everyone who supported me. Stay tuned for updates from my October 2009 SBP Women’s Week Rebuild.”

Message Edited by ShariW on 10-15-2009 11:33 AM