Parkway cares about others, both here and in distant places. It is our mission to make visible the concern of God for human need through our community service and to be a channel of interdenominational cooperation.
Below are some of the programs that are part of Parkway's efforts to service those concerns.
Habitat for Humanity
The mission of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the New Orleans area and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity serves God's people in need of decent housing, and aims to fulfill its mission, family by family, house by house.
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Stephen Ministry Program
http://www.stephenministries.org
Read more about Stephen Ministry at Parkway
All of us have times in our lives when we are struggling with very difficult decisions, or trying to cope with change, loss, grief, impossible relationships, etc. At such times it is helpful to be able to express your thoughts and feelings to someone who is objective, nonjudgmental, caring and a reflective listener who will maintain the confidentiality of what is said. Stephen Ministers receive fifty hours of training to help them become such listeners. If you feel you could benefit from having a Stephen Minister, or know someone who might need help, or you would like to become a Stephen Minister, please contact the church office at 504-733-1644. All communication will be kept in the strictest confidence.
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Program of Hope
First Presbyterian has created this holistic ministry to respond to the variety of needs of people who are without permanent housing. We create a welcoming and nurturing environment assisting with housing vouchers, clothing, counseling, spiritual needs, healing, food, helping to find employment, shelter, moving into housing, and much, much more. This outreach is unique because it is completely run by volunteers, some of whom have been homeless.
The sanctuary doors open every Wednesday at 9 a.m. We begin with an opening prayer, Bible reading, a devotional and an anointing with oil to anyone who wishes. We give out donated clothing items and vouchers for housing at the Salvation Army which cost $8 per person for a one night stay, bus tokens are given to get to job interviews and medical appointments, money for gas (if clients has transportation)to get to job interviews, in search for housing, emergency meds, and more. We provide a bagged lunch to the homeless on Wednesdays which currently is being donated by five different churches: (Orleans) Lakeview Presbyterian and St. Charles Presbyterian; (Harvey) Faith Presbyterian Church; and (Metairie) John Calvin and Parkway Presbyterian.
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Backpack Program
There are many elementary schools in the Metairie/Kenner area where children receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Breakfast or Lunch program. For many of these children, these are the only meals they eat. When they leave school on Friday and are home for the weekend, they often go hungry until they return to school on Monday. Parkway has partnered with a local school to provide "backpacks" filled with food so that these children don't go without food on the weekend.
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Ulster Project of New Orleans
http://www.ulsterproject.org
The Ulster Project is dedicated to promoting a peaceful parity of esteem between Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland by building tolerance, trust, and ongoing positive relationships among potential leaders from these Christian traditions. Under the sponsorship of the Ulster Project, Parkway participates in an exchange program that brings youth (half Catholic and half Protestant) from the province of Ulster in Northern Ireland to the United States for an opportunity to see the way Americans have learned to live together in their "melting pot" society. Building bridges between Protestant and Catholic families is the aim of this project. New Orleans and Parkway Church have been involved in this worthwhile project for 13 years. Peace in Northern Ireland can be obtained through communication, understanding and friendship. The Ulster Project is dedicated to this effort through these young people. Over 200 Northern Ireland families and an equal number of American families have been touched by this project. Contact the Church Office if you'd like more information or to become part of the Ulster Project.
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Second Harvest Food Bank
http://www.secondharvest.org
America's Second Harvest is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. Through a network of over 200 food banks and food-rescue programs, we distribute food to 26 million hungry Americans each year, eight million of whom are children. Parkway's adults and youth help support the New Orleans food bank by volunteering to "run the line" at the warehouse and through several yearly food donation programs.
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Westminster Tower Retirement Housing
Westminster Tower was opened in January 1981 as a mission of the Presbytery of South Louisiana to provide affordable housing for elderly and handicapped. In the summer of 1980, the Friends of Westminister Tower, a volunteer organization, was established. Since its opening, Parkway members have given many hours of leadership and support. Westminister Towers is a much loved mission of the people of Parkway. Parkway members continue to serve on the Westminister Tower Board, the Westminister Foundation Board, and the Friends of Westminister Board.
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Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
Parkway supports numerous Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are held at Parkway throughout the week and weekend.
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