St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church

Community Ministries

The Community Ministry Team is focused on the response of this body to the words of Christ to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Luke 10:27). This work is accomplished as we support the work of local ministries with our time, our talents and our treasure. Some examples of these ministries are those that help local at-risk youth; offer companionship to older adults; tutor elementary children in reading; provide shelter, food, medical care and counseling for the homeless; assist with affordable medical care for the working poor; and building houses for the homeless. The opportunities to give and serve are endless, for the need is ever great.

CARROLLTON UNITED
A neighborhood organization addressing concerns of residents and businesses in the Carrollton area, which includes RHINO-built Ferry Place. SCAPC members attend monthly meetings and provide financial support.
Contact: Mary DeWitt Dukes, (504) 864-8114, email

CONNECT MISSIONS
A cross-cultural ministry committed to supporting the church in its mission to bring people into a closer relationship with Christ. Special focus on college ministry, with 9 movements on 5 different campuses in New Orleans, and 10 more in the works.
Contact: Kelly Hostetler, (504) 897-0101 ext 117, email

CRESCENT CITY CAFE
A monthly breakfast that serves the marginalized people of New Orleans with dignity, in love. The cafe also provides a forum for young adults with similar values to connect through service. SCAPC provides some funding, and our 20/30s members volunteer on a regular basis.
Contact: Leon Hinson, (504) 861-4134, email

GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA (GED)
A four-day-a-week morning classroom designed to help adult students earn their high school equivalency certificate. St. Charles provides operating space and pays for two instructors and all supplies.
Contact: Ann Van Horn, (504) 488-6050, email

JW JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A public grade school in the Pensiontown neighborhood. SCAPC members help with special projects.
Contact: Frieda McGregor, (504) 302-9538.

MINISTRY OF HOPE
A homeless ministry at First Presbyterian Church that has reached out to all churches in the Uptown area for support. It provides housing /shelter vouchers, bus tokens, lunches, hygiene items, clothing, counseling, prayer, worship, financial and volunteer support. SCAPC serves lunch on Wednesdays.
Contact: Dale Curry, email

NEW ORLEANS MISSION
A homeless shelter providing lodging, job training, food, clothing, adult education and substance abuse rehab. SCAPC offsets operational costs, as the Mission serves the largest population of homeless in the metro area.
Contact: Bob Cannon, (504) 524-9863, email

RAINTREE CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
A social service agency giving hope to abandoned, abused or neglected children through group housing, single family foster care, and developmental disabilities case management. The church provides funding and participation on the Board of Directors.
Contact: Kathy Randall, (504) 866-7435, email

RECONCILE NEW ORLEANS
On-the-job culinary and service training for at-risk youth in Central City. “Café Reconcile” is changing lives and undergirding the hospitality industry. SCAPC provides funding, and our members regularly enjoy dining at the café.
Contact: Walter Harris, (504) 737-0871, email

REBUILDING HOPE IN NEW ORLEANS (RHINO)
This SCAPC ministry provides meaningful service opportunities for local and out-of-state volunteers. More than 4,500 volunteers from across the nation have worked with RHINO. SCAPC members provide meals and city tours each week.
Contact: Avery Strada, RHINO Program Manager, at (504) 897-0101 ext 111, email

SOJOURNER TRUTH ACADEMY
A charter high school that seeks to empower and equip students to become scholar-leaders using college preparation and social justice activism as vehicles for the rebirth and strengthening of our community.
Contact: Sybil Favrot, (504) 899-3563, email

ST. THOMAS CLINIC
This 23-year-old institution is the largest provider of healthcare for the uninsured in New Orleans, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. SCAPC provides funding for the operation of the clinic.
Contact: Charlie King, (504) 834-1354, email

START THE ADVENTURE IN READING (S.T.A.I.R.)
A children’s literacy program that provides tutoring for under-performing 2nd graders in public schools. Over 250 students from 33 schools are assisted annually. SCAPC provides funding, operational space and volunteers.
Contact: Mary Lou O’Keefe, (504) 865-9704, email

UPTOWN SHEPHERD’S CENTER
A senior activity center open to those 60 years and older. Various activities, classes, exercise and a hot lunch are available. The Center’s mission is to provide seniors with an outlet for socialization and mental and physical stimulation as well as aiding in the development of life skills.
Contact: Ann Van Horn, (504) 488-6050, email or Director, Sylvia Warren, (504) 314-0300.

VICTORIES IN SERVICE, INC
A Lower 9th Ward initiative to serve families and youth. It is located in Langston Hughes Academy Charter School and focuses on academics, character education/training and sports. This is done in conjunction with required parental support and involvement.
Contact: John Martin, (504) 895-0236, email

WHITE GIFT
Annual SCAPC gift drive to help children and parents in need. SCAPC members “adopt” a child for Christmas and purchase gifts that meet both the child’s needs and wants. This year’s chairs are Sarah Edgecombe and Seth & Genny Hagler. If you’d like to help behind the scenes, please contact Sarah via email.

Missions at SCAPC

Community Ministries