Our History

With Archdiocesan encouragement in the early 1970’s to place more emphasis on programs for seniors, and with the mandate of the General Chapter of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Alice Marie Macmurdo, CSJ, began to observe and study programs to enrich the lives of seniors. Early in 1973, she advanced her findings and ideas to the Province and subsequently promulgated a truly active program for seniors — now known as the People Program.

The program has grown from its modest beginning of 35 persons in early 1974 to more than 1,000 annually with over 125 volunteer teachers and assistants. We have also expanded from our original location at the CSJ Provincial Convent on Mirabeau Avenue in Gentilly to our Lakeshore campus, Westbank campus, and virtual Zoom “campus” as well.

People Program NOLA is part of the Congregation of St. Joseph Mission Network, and we thank the congregation for its unwavering support over these many years. More

Our Mission

People Program fosters lifelong learning and encourages personal connections in a vibrant community for seniors. This is achieved by providing seniors opportunities to stay active, share wisdom, and participate in a wide range of intellectual, artistic, and health related classes.

As a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph Mission Network, People Program embraces its mission of unity, expressed in the scripture verse: “That all may be one.” (John 17:21)

What We Offer

Sr. Joan Laplace (center) and two other sisters at Mirabeau in 1967

Sr. Alice Marie and students

People Program is a non-profit agency that provides seniors with creative ways to spend leisure time, share valuable wisdom, and enjoy community. We aim to help seniors tackle challenges of loneliness and frustration often induced by forced retirement and separation by death.

People Program offers creative and intellectual activities which contribute to renewed self-esteem and sense of well being. It is a program for people, by people, joining together to share knowledge, crafts, and arts; thus, drawing from each other mental and emotional awareness, physical strength, and, above all, a new feeling of belonging and self-confidence.

We offer over 175 weekday classes in the fall, spring and summer sessions. All instructors are volunteers who are interested in sharing their knowledge in a relaxed atmosphere where community building is as essential as skill development.

Aging is inevitable. Neither theories nor empathy is enough to deal with the challenges associated with that process. At People Program, we recognize the universal human need for creativity, learning, and socialization in a caring community. We invite you to join us.

Even though it was founded by the CSJ community, the People Program is nonsectarian; it lists among its members a variety of ethnic, racial, and religious groups. It is not sponsored by any governmental agency. It holds a nonprofit status (Tax ID #72-1122258) and is supported by membership fees and contributions of the participants, as well as grants, donations and fundraisers.

Sr. Alice Marie (background) and former Director Barbara McCurdy at a volunteer teacher gathering.

Reviews & Member Experiences

Many participants, who first come out of curiosity, discover a pleasant atmosphere in which they enjoy new friendships and develop new skills. They love to take part in a variety of social gatherings and travel opportunities sometimes offered to members. Some comments are:

"A new purpose for living"

"A reduced fear of aging" "Looking forward to each new class"

"An avenue of personal discovery and adventure"

"A renewed feeling of usefulness and being needed"

"Loving the classes, enjoy meeting new people."

Remembering the Legacy of Your Loved Ones

People Program celebrates the lives of those who have gone before us into eternity. Their spirits remain alive in our Mission to help Seniors Stay Active and Relish Life Together.