[StBernard] Arc Opens In Chalmette Six Years After Katrina

[Westley Annis]

Arc Opens In Chalmette Six Years After Katrina

Christian Jennings

WGNO News

1:07 PM CDT, September 19, 2011

CHALMETTE

For the first time in six years, the non-profit group Arc of Greater New
Orleans, will have a presence in St. Bernard parish.

The organization works with dozens of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Arc's St. Bernard facilities were destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, but
Monday the non-profit reopened in Chalmette. Polly Campbell, the group's
Director of Neighborhood Initiatives, has a teenage son with down syndrome.
She's relieved that she no longer has to worry about where he will go, or
how she will take care of him, when he finishes school.

"This provides that  step for my son, right out of high school, into a place
that provides activities, everyday, Monday through Friday, which will
compliment my work schedule," said Campbell.

The new center is located on the former Prince of Peace Catholic Church
property under a 20-year lease. In the future the group has plans to expand
and renovate the former church's 12,000 square foot community center.