September 6, 2007

Hurricane Recovery: Continuing to Learn, Inform, and Communicate

The Foundation for the Mid South recently participated with several other national and regional partners to support the creation or dissemination of two brand new Hurricane Katrina and Rita resources—both released around the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Recovery, Renewal, and Resiliency: Gulf Coast Small Businesses Two Years Later
Over ten organizations, including FMS, supported a study on the effects of the hurricanes on small business along the Gulf Coast. On the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Michael Turner delivered the latest Political & Economic Research Council (PERC) study, Recovery, Renewal, and Resiliency: Gulf Coast Small Businesses Two Years Later, in New Orleans to government officials, small business owners, local chambers of commerce, and the press. The study combined the results from a survey of over 1,000 Gulf Coast small business owners with extensive small business credit and profile information that details the extent of small business recovery in the areas most directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Download >>> Press Release dated 8.29.07
Download >>> Complete PERC study (PDF - 4.5MB)

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FMS along with 8 other organizations supported the Gulf Coast Collaborative for Recovery and Renewal's efforts to gather in New Orleans on August 28 and release a collection of policy briefs around hurricane recovery. The gathering consisted of two two-hour town hall meetings with Gulf Coast residents that discussed recovery and renewal efforts ranging from housing and economic development to education and the environment. Participants included national policymakers including Representative William Jefferson (Louisiana), Representative Bennie Thompson (Mississippi), and Representative Maxine Waters (California).
>>> more information.

Coming Back from Catastrophe: Policy Voices from The Gulf Coast Region Two Years After Katrina and Rita
Prior to the meeting, the Gulf Coast Collaborative released its compendium Coming Back from Catastrophe: Policy Voices from The Gulf Coast Region Two Years After Katrina and Rita edited by Marcus J. Littles, Project Director, IRCT. The series of policy briefs document the on-going challenges and opportunities to rebuilding equitably and inclusively and focuses on diverse but interrelated topics such as affordable and fair housing, mental health, citizen engagement, leadership development, environmental justice, and governmental accountability and oversight.

Download >>> Complete GCC compendium (PDF - 1.61MB)

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VLI and FMS Faith-Based Conference Next Week!

The Visionary Leadership Institute and FMS is hosting the 4th Annual Gathering of Women In Ministry Leadership from September 13-15 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
>>> more information

The VLI's much-anticipated gathering is designed to build pastoral leadership for women in ministry leadership. This fourth-annual, two-day assembly intends to help leading women restore and revive their spirits, develop their leadership skills, and fellowship with other women in ministry.

The conference, entitled "The Church Rising from Silence to Action: Health Disparities", will focus on the faith community's role in improving our region's health status from heart disease, HIV/AIDS, obesity, cancer, diabetes, to mental illness.

Download >>> Press Release dated 9.6.07
Download >>> Agenda at a glance
Download >>> Registration Form
Download >>> Exhibitor Registration Form

Included on the agenda of keynote speakers is Hope Morgan Ward, Resident Bishop (United Methodist Church, Mississippi) and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., President and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Victoria Rowell from The Young and the Restless will also be present to share her story and participate in the awards ceremony for the 2007 Bridge Over Troubled Water Awards and the Mary Moody Finer Woman Award.

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Other FMS News:

Click >>> here for information on the current job opening for Chief Financial Officer at FMS. The deadline for applications has been extended until September 14th.

The Summer edition of FMS's the Bridge is set to mail the first of next week! Be on the lookout for it in your mailbox. If for some reason you do not get a copy, email >>> Chris Crothers to get one sent to you or download it electronically from the FMS website.

Learn more about the Foundation for the Mid South at our website www.fndmidsouth.org.

 

Foundation for the Mid South : : www.fndmidsouth.org : : for more information, contact Chris Crothers