On Easter Sunday 2012, Trinity-Claiborne in the Lower Ninth Ward was rededicated after a two-year restoration effort. Six months later, Trinity is bustling with activity with several local nonprofit partners making use of the facility throughout the week in service to the community.
The Renaissance Project
Led by Executive Director Greta Gladney, The Renaissance Project is “a native-New Orleans, non-profit community development organization that works to improve the quality of life in low-income communities of color by increasing access to fresh, healthy food; improving education opportunities; catalyzing economic development and celebrating arts and culture.”
The Renaissance Project moved their offices into the upstairs rooms of Trinity this past summer and just held an open house and art exhibit for the first time in their new location.
Lower 9th Ward Senior Center
Hurricane Isaac damaged the Lower 9th Ward Senior Center’s former location, and they moved into Trinity-Claiborne in October, made possible by the use of movable pews in the sanctuary.
Between 40 and 60 seniors participate daily, starting the day with a devotion and singing spirituals, followed by numerous activities as well as lunch. Many have expressed the encouragement of having a facility like Trinity restored and usable when so many other businesses have yet to return – grocery stores, banks and cleaners, among others.
Most are lifelong residents of the Lower Ninth and have many, many amazing stories of history, culture and heritage.
A Community Voice
A Community Voice is a “non-profit community organization comprised of working, poor, elderly, women, children, and families. ACV provides a community voice for its members and constituencies in the everyday issues that affect their daily lives.”
ACV currently maintains an office at Trinity-Claiborne.
Further Developments
RAI Ministries board member Rev. Aubrey Watson established and led worship services at Trinity-Claiborne in the springtime, with an average of 20 attendees, before taking a summer hiatus to regroup and work through scheduling conflicts with his role as full-time pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in New Orleans.
This fall, Watson is exploring beginning a weekly Bible study, followed by a weeknight praise service that would eventually transition into a Sunday morning service.
