People Program NOLA

⚜️Our Purpose⚜️ ⚜️Our Staff⚜️ ⚜️Our Board⚜️

⚜️ 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.

For more information, please click here: https://csjoseph.org/our-ministries/

Sr. Alice Marie Macmurdo, CSJ

⚜️ WHAT WE OFFER ⚜️

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.

⚜️ OUR WHY ⚜️

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.

⚜️ OUR STRUCTURE & FUNDING ⚜️

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

Mirabeau Provincial House, 1955

Sr. Alice Marie and students

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

⚜️ REVIEWS FROM MEMBERS' 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. This is great program for retired and/or single adults."

⚜️our StafF⚜️

Executive Director - Dr. Chandra Richardson

Dr. Chandra Richardson is a dynamic leader and dedicated advocate for educational and community empowerment. She hails from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 15 years of experience in higher education and a decade of impactful service in non-profit and community leadership, Chandra has established herself as a transformative force in her community.

Chandra’s passion for education began early in her career when she recognized the profound impact that access to quality education can have on individuals and their families. Throughout her tenure in higher education, she has held various roles that have allowed her to mentor students, develop innovative programs, and forge partnerships that enhance educational opportunities for underrepresented populations. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment has earned her recognition and respect among peers and students.

In addition to her academic work, Chandra has spent the last ten years deeply involved in non-profit organizations dedicated to community service and advocacy. She has successfully led initiatives focusing on education, health, and social justice to uplift and empower underserved communities in New Orleans. Chandra’s unwavering faith and compassion drive her efforts; she believes every individual deserves the chance to thrive and succeed.

Chandra’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration and community engagement. She possesses a remarkable strategic vision and the ability to inspire others, which have been pivotal in bringing about positive change in various projects she has spearheaded.

Beyond her professional achievements, Chandra is a proud New Orleans native who embodies her city's rich culture and resilience. She enjoys volunteering for local causes, participating in community events, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Chandra’s unwavering commitment to service and her faith and compassion continue to inspire those around her.

As she moves forward in her career, Chandra Richardson remains dedicated to making a lasting impact in her community and beyond. Her belief in the power of education, service, and faith continues to fuel her professional journey.

A person in a green suit Description automatically generated

Program Coordinator (Lakeshore) - Jan Martino

Jan is a native New Orleanian whose education was impacted by the Sisters of St. Joseph from first grade through high school. After graduating from Loyola University, Jan taught in the secondary school sector for 5 years at Archbishop Shaw High School.

She has been in the direct selling industry for 40 years and has served as Assistant Director for People Program from 2008 to 2021.

Jan has been married for 47 years and has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. She is committed to the Congregation of St. Joseph’s charism of unity and inclusive love. The People Program community is forever in her heart.

Program Coordinator (Westbank) - Phyllis Waiters

Phyllis serves as People Program's Westbank Coordinator -- engaging students, instructors and the community where she has lived for the last 15 years.

Prior to People Program, she worked in the customer service field for both banking and communications for over 40+ years. She is known for her expertise in presenting to groups, which is enhanced by her friendly nature.

Phyllis has a deep appreciation for community service and volunteerism. After her initial retirement, she decided to make "service to others" a major part of her Christian life.

Originally from Charlotte, N.C., she has 3 daughters, and 2 granddaughters. She is thrilled and ecstatic to be a part of People Program's family!

⚜️Our board⚜️

Chair

Helen Young (Chair) (2023-2026)

Helen Read Young is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has enjoyed a career in non-profit fundraising and development that began at Academy of the Sacred Heart in 2001 as the Director of Alumnae, Development and the Capital Campaign. From there, Helen served as the Director of Advancement for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans for almost 10 years, before returning to Sacred Heart as the Director of Institutional Advancement and Capital Campaign until 2019.

Helen is actively involved as a volunteer at Sacred Heart, currently serving on the Board of Trustees, Alumnae Board, and its Capital Campaign Committee. She is also a founding member of Sacred Heart’s Future Founders leadership giving circle. Beyond Sacred Heart, Helen chaired the 2020-2021 Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal fundraising campaign with her husband, Tim, and has volunteered at Catholic Charities’ food pantry. Helen also serves on Catholic Charities’ Development and Marketing Committee, and she is a sustaining member of the Junior League of New Orleans.

Helen has served on several Boards, both locally and nationally, including the University of Notre Dame Alumni Board, Friends of City Park, and Save Our Cemeteries.

Helen is a 1988 graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart and a 1992 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where she received a Bachelor of Arts—Cum Laude. Helen and her husband, Tim, have two children: Charles “George” Smith III and Julia Tyler Smith.