The Gardere Initiative was founded in 2006 in response to the rising crime and social challenges in the Gardere community. After Hurricane Katrina, many displaced residents from New Orleans settled in the area due to its affordable housing and the presence of family members already living there.
However, tensions rose, and the area saw seven homicides in 2008. In order to “address the clash between the 225s and 504s,” the churches came together, establishing two annual events: the Back to School Extravaganza and Love Fest. These events proved fruitful, but the organization knew that in order to create lasting change, they needed to
do more.
Dr. Murelle Harrison, Ph.D., the Executive Director, shares, “We always knew that if we really wanted to make a difference, we needed to be in the community, and we secured a place with the help of funding from the South Burbank Crime Prevention and Development District, and we officially opened where we are in January of 2014.”
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Gardere Initiative has helped transform the lives of many families through their programs, all with the goal of addressing the social determinants of health that are affecting the families in the area.
Cindy Sonbuchner, the Operational Director, shares, “We have an after-school program, as well as holiday programs when they’re on school breaks. We have an eight-week summer program in which we provide free swim lessons and enrichment activities. We also have a youth development program throughout the year. The way the Gardere Initiative works is that we really grow our children over time. They start at three years old, and they look forward to elementary school when they graduate sixth grade, because they know that they can apply to work in our summer program. We have monthly youth meetings for them and then hire about 50 of them to work in the summer. We also have financial literacy programs for adults and community events every month in which we bring resources and opportunities.”
The initiative receives many applications, a testament to the incredible environment they are creating for these families. Dr. Harrison recalls, “On our application, it asks, ‘What do you hope to gain?’ One of our sixth graders said, ‘Mrs. Murelle, I’ve been wanting to come to this program since I was in the third or fourth grade.’ He knew that once he finished the sixth grade, he would be able to work, and that’s how we grow them.”
A LASTING IMPACT
The initiative’s impact is undeniable. In the last 20 years, crime in the area has decreased by 70 percent. Young attendees have gone on to achieve success, and many students have remained with the initiative to inspire the next generation. However, despite its longevity, the Gardere Initiative still strives for growth and is seeking a larger space to accommodate the increasing number of children and families wanting to get involved.
None of it would be possible without the compassionate team members behind the Gardere Initiative who have created a safe space for everyone in the Gardere community. Their love for the families and the community is the driving force behind the organization’s success.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteers play a crucial role in the initiative, and they welcome anyone willing to join to mentor, tutor, or simply show up for children in need. As Dr. Harrison encourages, “When we took the first step, then everyone else fell in line. Take your community back and make it what you want it to be.”
For those interested in volunteering or sending donations, visit the Gardere Initiative online at gardereinitiative.org.
