[StBernard] December News from the Community Center of St Bernard

Westley Annis Westley at da-parish.com
Wed Dec 8 21:04:55 EST 2010


Holiday Hours!


The Community Center of St Bernard will close at 5 PM on Tuesday, December 21 for the Holidays. We will reopen at 9 AM on Monday, January 3. We would like to wish SEASON'S GREETINGS to all of our clients, supporters, volunteers and staff!


Free Self-Confidence Workshop on December 10!


Join Ann Bernard, creator of The Loop of Confidence, for an exciting and motivational confidence-building workshop on Friday, December 10 at 2 PM at the Community Center of St Bernard, 1111 LeBeau St, Arabi. Learn what true self-confidence is, and why having self-confidence is one of the most critical factors for being successful in life.

“Many people don’t realize how their level of self-confidence impacts every aspect of their life,” notes Ms Bernard. “Yet self-confidence is part of everything you do -- or don’t do. It is at the core of whether or not you take risks, face your fears, overcome your problems, stand up for yourself, and reach your potential and highest level of success. Having true self-confidence can dramatically change your life.”

The self-confidence workshop is free to the public and no reservations are needed. For more information, please visit www.loopofconfidence.com


St Bernard Children to Receive Free Shoes through “Payless Gives”


The Community Center of St Bernard is pleased to announce that it has been selected as an official partner of Payless Gives, an annual giving program from Payless ShoeSource. The Center is among 800 charitable agencies representing all 50 states in the United States, across Canada and Puerto Rico and in 10 Latin American countries to be part of the program.

The Community Center will be distributing coupons for shoes to children whose families participate in our Mustard Seed Food Pantry. Being in the Food Pantry means that each family has an income less than 130% of the federal poverty limit. In real dollar amounts, 98% of these families earn less than $25,000 annually, and 65% are struggling to get by on $10,000 per year or less.

“In its third year, the goal of the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program remains the same -- to provide footwear, a basic necessity, to children who might otherwise go without,” said LuAnn Via, CEO of Payless. “The success of the program over the past two years, and the number of children and families we have been able to assist, continues to drive our efforts. Unemployment is still very high, affecting many families that struggle to provide their children with basic essentials. This is especially challenging during the holidays, and with the Community Center of St Bernard's help, we hope to make a bigger impact than ever this year.”

For more information about the ways in which the Community Center is helping St Bernard residents this holiday season, please visit our website at www.ccstb.org or call 504.281.2512


Beat Holiday Stress with Free Acupuncture Sessions


The holidays are a joyous time of year, but they can sometimes be hectic and stressful. This year, beat the stress with a free acupuncture session at the Community Center of St Bernard. 1111 LeBeau St , Arabi.

The NADA protocol – a simple 5-point ear acupuncture treatment which will be offered by trained practitioners - has been reported to result in an immediate reduction in anxiety, insomnia, depression, anger, along with increased mental clarity and ability to cope. This rapid response is a key benefit of the NADA protocols, which are currently being used by more than 1500 clinical sites in the US, Europe, Australia , and the Caribbean.

The free acupuncture sessions are available every Tuesday from noon until 2 PM at the Community Center. No appointment is needed, and everyone will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also, everyone is invited to a special 3 hour acupuncture session on Friday, December 17 from 11 AM – 2 PM. Please allow 20-45 minutes for a complete, relaxing treatment. Everyone is welcome, so please stop by and bring a friend!


Thanksgiving 2010 Success!


This year over 400 low-income St Bernardians were able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, thanks to the wonderful generosity of partners like Chalmette Refining, Courtesy Discount House, Potts & Potts, URS and the St Bernard Levee Partners, the Woolard Foundation, Mary MacFerrin, Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula, the Hash House Harriers, the Versailles Plantation Neighborhood Association and others.

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We would like to give special thanks to Melissa Garber, Gulf Response AmeriCorps VISTA for HandsOn New Orleans, who organized a food drive with various partner agencies. They include James Weldon Johnson Elementary School, The HandsOn Tool Lending Library, and the New Orleans Mission. All together they donated close to 1,887 pounds of food. Additionally we would like to thank Judy Leroux and Weight Watchers for their contribution.

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Kids invited to Santa's Workshop on Dec 16!


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Celebration & Toy GiveAway on Dec 19!


Santa is on his way to the Community Center of St Bernard! This year's Annual Holiday Celebration and Toy GiveAway will be held on December 19, 2010 at the Community Center, 1111 LeBeau St in Arabi. The GiveAway will begin at 1 PM and continue until 4 PM. Gifts will be available for children age 12 whose families participate in the Center's Mustard Seed Food Pantry. Toys will be given out on a first come, first served basis and each child must attend the event in order to receive a gift. No registration is needed, and refreshments will be served from 1:30 to 3 PM. It should be a wonderful holiday celebration, so come out and enjoy the fun!

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Right now the Community Center is looking for partner agencies, groups and volunteers to help with obtaining new toys for the Toy Giveaway. Last year about 400 children received toys, and we expect as many or more to attend this year. Anyone who can donate toys, organize a toy drive, or provide gift cards and funds to purchase toys should contact the Community Center at 504.281.2512 before December 15. Volunteers are also needed to help with setting up the party, doing last-minute gift wrapping, serving food, bringing toys out for the children, and doing cleanup. If you want to help, please phone the Community Center at 504.281.2512. And THANK YOU - together we will make the holiday season brighter for kids here in St Bernard!


Registration for Free Computer Classes Begins January 3


The Community Center's next round of free computer classes will begin on January 11. To enroll, please phone the Community Center at 504.281.2512 on or after January 3. NO REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED BEFORE 9AM ON January 3. Class size is limited to 8 members for each class with a waiting list of 4 members.

COMPUTER CLASS SCHEDULE

Day 1: Introduction to Windows — Understanding basic Windows elements and settings (toolbars, start menu, display settings, power options, user preferences).

Day 2: Using Windows — Using Windows Explorer and common file and folder commands (delete, rename, properties, views).

Day 3: Using Windows II — Using essential services including Windows Help and Windows Search and printer setup. More work with files and folders including cut, copy, paste and handling multiple files.

Day 4: Word Processing — Microsoft Word. Creating new documents, using cut, copy, paste and undo commands.

Day 5: Introduction to the Internet – Searching, using web addresses, maps, directions, image searches. EVENING CLASSES: Tuesdays 5—6PM on Jan 11, 15, 25 & Feb 1, 8

MORNING CLASSES: Thursdays 10—11AM on Jan 13, 20, 27 & Feb 3,10


Giving in Tough Times


Between the Gulf Oil Spill and the economy, times may be tight this year but there are still ways you can make a difference. This holiday season, you can use your creativity as well as your wallet to help spread the holiday spirit and make life better for those who are struggling, both in St Bernard Parish and elsewhere.

•Support the Community Center of St Bernard just by searching the Web with http://www.freelanthropy.com/search/ccstb <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/5cb04bb0d7> . Freelanthropy uses the Yahoo search engine to get results and it makes a donation to the Community Center or other charity every time you search! You can also get a free toolbar and more information at http://www.freelanthropy.com/ccstb <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/d64d1be1ae>

• Hold a garage sale or holiday bake sale and set aside a table of items whose proceeds will benefit the Community Center of St Bernard.

• Planning a holiday party or get together? Set up a Giving Tree and ask guests to donate to the Community Center. If finances are good for you, offer to match what your guests contribute.

• Have some spare time this holiday season? If you're in the greater New Orleans area, you can always volunteer with the Community Center's Food Pantry or Clothing Bank. Just phone 504.281.2512 and speak with Volunteer Coordinators Ben Trussell or Alyssa Beck from the AmeriCorps Louisiana Delta Service Corps.

• Check your pantry for foods that will be expiring in the next month and bring them to the Community Center's Food Pantry.

• Doing your holiday shopping online? It takes just a few seconds to go to www.goodshop.com <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/3d9b857b4b/charityid=852962> , make sure that the Community Center of St Bernard is listed as your charity by typing our name in the “Who Do You Support” box, and then click through to your favorite store and shop as usual.


Want More Community Center news?


Check out our website, Facebook, Twitter and other online links:

http://www.ccstb.org <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/e097735edf>
http://www.facebook.com/ccstb <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/a968d73355>
http://www.twitter.com/ccstb <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/88397ff4fa>
http://www.myspace.com/ccstb <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/09f7cfdc69>
http://www.change.org/ccstb <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/c4ae296ff6>
http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/ccstb <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/a41f2f4426>
http://ffon.tumblr.com <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunityCenterofStB/c3698eb15a/fb884231b7/e23c57097f>


Free Services Available from the CCSTB


* Public Phones
* Fax Send and Receive
* Copying Service
* Internet-connected Computers
* Food Pantry
* Clothing Bank
* Performance space for local musicians and artists
* Computer training classes
* Space for neighborhood gatherings, community meetings and support groups
* Satellite office space for other agencies (legal, medical, food stamps, etc)
* Dinner–dances, holiday celebrations, and other family–oriented gatherings

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Give Today!


During 2011, your generosity will provide essential services including food, clothes, and hot meals for Katrina survivors in St Bernard Parish.

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All donations of $25 or more will receive a free CD that features videos about the Community Center and the devastating effects of hurricane Katrina on the St Bernard area. The Community Center of St Bernard is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible. THANK YOU for giving!

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