October 2009: Dean David Allard duPlantier
Jericho Road Board Member and Christ Church Cathedral's Dean David Allard duPlantier accepted General Theological Seminary's (GTS) "Distinguished Alumnus Award" on September 23, 2009.

GTS holds an annual Alumni Gathering for alumni, students, faculty and staff to join in fellowship, renew friendships and grow spiritually. During the three-day retreat in New York, the award is presented to one outstanding graduate who has been a leader in the Church and an inspiration of fruitful expressions of faith. In four years of being awarded, the "Distinguished Alumnus Award" has held up both extraordinarily original and path-breaking ministries as well as extraordinarily faithful though quiet ministries.

"David is an amazing leader and servant of the Church," says Rev. Brad Whitaker, rector of Christ Church Grosse Pointe and friend of duPlantier. "I am inspired to see him as a standard in what we call servant ministry." Father Whitaker was instrumental in nominating Dean duPlantier for the award last fall.

Dean duPlantier was also asked to preach at the event's memorial Eucharist at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

September 2009: Chip Higbee of IMC Consulting
As Jericho Road embarks on improving its green design and best building practices, many new tests must be run and certifications met. Chip, a mechanical engineer who primarily works with commercial properties, was quick to offer his Manual J test services for Jericho Road's residential properties free of charge. The Manual J test is a heating/cooling calculation to quantify the heat gain/loss values for an area. The test provides information for energy conservation, demand-analysis and comfort heating and cooling.

As with Chip Higbee and the many others who offer Jericho Road professional and in-kind services, we thank you for your continued support in helping rebuild our city!

August 2009: Social justice advocate Dr. Roger Ward
A theologian, anthropologist, teacher and advocate, Dr. Ward spent 18 years at Trinity Episcopal Church, where he developed programs to help the congregation reach out to the poor and marginalized. He was a founder of the Jeremiah Group, a citywide, faith-based coalition dedicated to community reform.

"He brought self examination to all of us," said Jericho Road Executive Director Brad Powers.

Trinity members who worked with Dr. Ward described him as a gentle, learned man who nonetheless quietly urged the congregation out of its comfort zone, to be more aggressive in its outreach to the poor and more sympathetic to their worldview.

"We speak of this as prophetic ministry, and that can be tough in a congregation that's not always liberal, " said an old friend, the Rev. Bill Barnwell. "He'd help people disagree in a spirit of love. That was so important to us--when we'd get involved in a controversy, that we find common ground and find a way to respect each other."

A native of Kingsport, TN, Dr. Ward came to New Orleans in 1965. He was a formally trained theologian, having studied at Yale Divinity School and earning a doctorate from Vanderbilt University in 1967. A decade later he turned to anthropology and earned a doctorate from Tulane. At various times through 20 years he taught religion and anthropology at Dillard, Loyola and Xavier universities. He was on the faculty at Newman High School from 1976 to 1990, when Barnwell hired him to work at Trinity. Rev. Barnwell said he created the outreach post with Dr. Ward in mind.

June 2009: Volunteer Groups: All Saints Episcopal Church (Montgomery, AL) and Wakefield Country Day School (Wakefield, VA).
The two volunteer groups worked diligently for days assisting Jericho Road in the Central City outreach rehabilitation project that resulted in the restoration of three blighted houses.

Jericho Road is inspired by volunteer groups' dedication to community service and neighborhood revitalization. Thank you to the volunteers from All Saints Episcopal Church and Wakefield Country Day School for contributing your time and efforts to the revitalization of the Central City community.

May 2009: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival & the City of New Orleans
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a unique symbol of cultural unity that holds great significance for the City of New Orleans. Jericho Road would like to thank the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation, Inc. for its great contribution to the culture of this city and for making the event available to all community members through its Community Outreach program.

Jericho Road would also like to thank the City of New Orleans for its assistance and attention to neighborhood revitalization efforts taking place throughout Central City. The City's work to repair sidewalks throughout Central City has significantly contributed to the neighborhood's restoration, and Jericho Road is appreciative of all the City has done to provide residents with safer roads and sidewalks.

April 2009: Michael Wong and Lakica Watkins
Michael and Lakica both purchased homes in Central City within the last two years. Since moving to Central City, they have encouraged their neighbors by organizing events, such as block parties, in an effort to reach out to others. Currently, Michael and Lakica are assisting Jericho Road's Neighborhood Coordinator, Michael Robinson, with the development of the NeighborCircles community building program.

Neighbors like Michael and Lakica are a vital part of Jericho Road's network, and their dedication to community service and neighborhood revitalization has inspired others to join in their efforts. The Jericho Road staff and Board of Directors thank them for all they have done and continue to do for the Central City community.

March 2009: Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
EDOLA, in partnership with Episcopal Relief and Development, has been one of Jericho Road’s strongest supporters since early 2006. The Diocese is the foundation behind Jericho Road’s revitalization efforts in the Central City community and works in partnership to rebuild homes, transform lives and improve neighborhoods.

EDOLA is a vital part of Jericho Road’s network, and their commitment and dedication has taken the organization from the initial development stage to the successful housing organization it is today. Staff and Board members appreciate all of the Diocese’s individuals and churches for their strong and continued support.

February 2009 : New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC)
NONDC is a nonprofit, community development organization that works with New Orleans neighborhoods to support and expand the production of quality affordable housing.

Working in partnership to better address the needs of Central City residents, Jericho Road recently sold six properties to NONDC, which the organization will develop into new single family homes. NONDC is dedicated to increasing the number of homeownership opportunities throughout Central City, and Jericho Road is grateful for their support and collaboration as the organization works to rebuild and revitalize this historic neighborhood.