Nonprofits Reaffirm Commitment to Human Recovery in Gulf Coast Region
Coalition Announces “Listening” Initiative and
Calls for $10 Billion in New Federal Funding
January 6, 2006
New Orleans, LA – Fourteen of the nation’s largest and most-respected nonprofit human services organizations today reaffirmed their collective commitment to the human side of recovery in the Gulf Coast area. There has been much focus on rebuilding structures, homes and businesses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, and these organizations want to ensure that human needs are not forgotten in the recovery effort.
“It is vital that we put people first as we recover from the catastrophic hurricanes of 2005,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “We remain committed to the continued development and viability of communities throughout the region and, most importantly, the well-being and economic independence of its citizens.”
Beginning this quarter of 2006, the group will undertake a listening initiative to aggressively engage people, understand their needs, and take those messages to those who can most effect the necessary changes. In addition, the organizations are asking the Administration and Congress to approve $10 billion in federal funding over the next five years to fund recovery programs that emphasize human needs such as job training, education and healthcare.
“Each of our organizations has already devoted substantial resources to help people in the aftermath of the hurricanes,” says Kessinger. “But the scope of need is so great that government – at all levels – must be a critical partner in helping the people of the Gulf Coast region recover.”
The 14 organizations – a subset of a national coalition of nonprofit organizations known as Leadership 18 – have long been, and will continue to be, on the ground facing problems, helping people, and strengthening communities across the nation. Their work is vital to the safety, health, well-being, and social and economic development of a diverse population. Together, the organizations help shape the lives, neighborhoods and future of millions of Americans.
The Leadership 18 member organizations participating in this Gulf Coast initiative include:- Alliance for Children and Families
- American Cancer Society
- Boy Scouts of America
- Camp Fire USA
- Catholic Charities USA
- Girls Incorporated
- Goodwill Industries International, Inc.
- Lutheran Services in America
- National Mental Health Association, Inc.
- National Urban League, Inc.
- The Salvation Army
- United Way of America
- YMCA of the USA
- YWCA USA
Phone: (240) 333-5264
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