FINANCIAL DONATIONS NEEDED FOR PHC 

Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast .

Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.

Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of:

St. Ann 's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport , MS 39503

Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net
Karen Parker, Local Coordinator; (228) 860-5767 or akaren@bellsouth.net
Richard Dunlap, Bookkeeper
Steve Hulst, Founder

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Field Update: January 12, 2012

Dear Volunteers and Friends of PHC,

Even though it’s been 6 years since the devastation of Katrina, many affected residents are still in need of assistance.  Normality of life has returned for a large share of the population, while others continue to struggle with after effects of the damage done to their property, employment, families, as well as their physical and mental health.

Much good continues to be done on the Gulf Coast in terms of repair and rebuilding.  Because of the dedication and caring of PHC volunteers who come back year-after-year, we have been able to continue to offer a positive presence in the Mississippi coastal communities.  As long as volunteers are inspired to come, and our funds allow, it is our intention to keep our doors open so that this good work may continue.

Over 760 PHC volunteers came to Camp Hope in 2011  They worked on a wide variety of projects coordinated by local resident John Armstrong, Habitat for Humanity, and others that made a difference in the lives of many families.

As you know, PHC works to provide our volunteers with a safe, clean and uplifting environment where they can return from a long day’s work to a shower, a good meal, fellowship, some spiritual reflection and physical rest.  This could not be done without the dedication of our local volunteers, especially Glen & Karen Parker, but also the spiritual leadership of Fr. Peter Mockler, and support from the members of St. Ann Parish.  In addition, we are blessed throughout the year with individuals who volunteer a week, a month, or several months of their time to help in the maintenance and coordination of Camp Hope.  We have regulars such as Barry Wright (Canada), and Mark and Iverna Mercer (MI) who come during the winter months to do repairs and help get the camp ready.

This past summer, one inspiring young man felt a calling to give up a good share of his summer to assist Karen and Glen in the many responsibilities associated with running Camp Hope.  Here is an account of his experience….in his own words:

“Six years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, drastically changing the lives of millions of people who were affected by the storm. I was getting ready for my sophomore year of high school, almost 1,500 miles away, and little did I know that this hurricane would change my life as well. My local church, St, Elizabeth’s of Hungary (Acton, MA), did annual mission trips in the summer, and that fall, we decided as a youth group that we would go to the Gulf Coast to help with hurricane relief, and ultimately ended up at Project Hope and Compassion at St. Ann’s in Lizana, MS. A small community just a few miles from the water, no one knew what to expect when we flew into New Orleans and saw the devastation of a storm that had hit more than nine months before. For the past five summers, I have traveled to Lizana and done a week of service with St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary of Acton, MA.” “The experiences I have had, the individuals I have encountered in the community, the stories I have heard, the laughs and tears both the visitors and locals have shared has impacted me in a way that I will never forget.

This past spring, when I was thinking about what I wanted to do this summer, of course, going down to Mississippi was one of the things that jumped into my mind. When things started to fall into place, I made a decision that I would see if it was possible to stay in Lizana for an extended period of time and help out Karen and Glen Parker at Project Hope. After speaking with Father Pete, I jumped on a flight right after the Fourth of July for a nice little five week trip to Lizana to help serve the volunteers who came down each week and the greater community itself.

My experience this past summer, the memories I take with me, and relationships I formed are things that cannot happen without a strong presence from God. The bonds made between the groups of volunteers and the people of Mississippi are full of God’s love and compassion. Each week, groups came down as separate individuals, with hopes and fears for the week, and at least a little baggage from home. By the end of the week, the individuals came together in a beautiful way to help build God’s community. 

I cannot talk about forming God’s community without talking about Karen and Glen Parker, two people who give up so much of their time for complete strangers so that they can serve God and their neighbors in Mississippi. Karen will be the first one to admit that she is not the calmest of people and will try to do ten different things at the same time, but Karen has a presence and a confidence when it comes to the Lord’s work. She truly believes and has faith that no matter how complicated or hard things may get week in and week out, tasks will be finished and problems will be solved because God is always with us.  Her faith and love of neighbor are something that truly inspire myself and all 11,000 + volunteers who have come down to Lizana over the past 6 years.

While Glen is not as visible as Karen, some might argue he has a larger impact on the group because he controls the food! Coming into the summer, Karen told me that I would be helping Glen out in the kitchen three hours a day with dinner. My first thought was three hours in the kitchen? Are you serious? I like to cook, but I barely cook for myself, let alone 150 volunteers. But from day one, Glen welcomed me into the kitchen like we had been doing this our whole lives. By the end of my time at Project Hope, those hours from 4-7 were some of my favorite hours during the day.  Glen embodies the true essence of service. He never asked for recognition, never complained about extra food he had to cook, only put a smile on his face and went about his business as he carried some ‘hot stuff’ out to the pavilion.

As time went by during my visit, I began to meet more and more of the parishioners of St. Ann’s, and they could not have been a nicer bunch. Even though most of them talked funny, and knew I was just a Yankee from the north, people like Miss Loretta, Eldridge, Kathy, Gil, Shorty, and Mr. Bill welcomed me into their community like I was their son coming home from a long trip.  They treated me like one of their own and I am extremely grateful for that.

When it comes to all the Sam’s Club and Walmart trips, the number of times I had to plunge toilets or mop floors, or the amount of butter I put on the cornbread, I will always look back fondly on the five weeks I spent in Lizana, MS. I will remember the groups arriving from the airport, ready to explore their faith and journey out into the surrounding community to serve those who are suffering. I will remember the dirty clothes and tired faces coming back from worksites, knowing that people worked hard in the hot sun so they could try to finish what they were working on. I will remember the laughs and smiles of all the kids and adults while they were hanging out in the pavilion. I will remember Karen’s voice yelling my name and countless satisfied stomachs after groups devoured red beans and rice or a good ole catfish fry. But most importantly, I will remember the great prayers, reflections, and faith experiences each group had.

Project Hope and Compassion is a place that offers groups from around the country the opportunity to come and do service on the Gulf Coast. And while God’s work is done throughout the week in places like Bay St. Louis and Biloxi on countless worksites, God’s work is also done every single night in the small church on Highway 53. The stories told, the realizations of the importance of faith, family, and friends comes together by the end of the week to form a unique relationship and bond between the kids and adults.
I want to thank Father Pete, Karen, and Glen for giving me the opportunity to help out this summer. I also want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who came down each week, with open hearts and minds to serve and be with those who are less fortunate. We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of Christ and it was an honor to meet all of you.”

-Dave Kronin

Here’s a story from another volunteer who came to Camp Hope for a week in July:

“I first experienced PHC in November of 2005. I came with a group from my church to help with the clean-up after the storm. This summer was the first time I was back since then. I was at PHC from Saturday, July 23rd to 30th. I drove down from the Philadelphia area to help out at the camp for the week and go out to work sites as well. When I first arrived, it was like I never left. Karen welcomed me in with open arms and was introduced to the group that was there. Right away, I felt like I was a part of the group. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was so encouraged to see the enthusiasm from the kids. Throughout the week, I spent my time at work sites as well as helping out at the base with Glen and Karen Parker and Dave Cronin. It was so great to see the improvements from my last visit. There is still a lot to do of course, but great progress has been made. During this visit, I was involved with remodeling a house through Hope Community Development Agency and painting, lawn work at another house. I also did yard work and helped clean/re-organize a garage. It was so great to spend time with the folks of the community and listen to their stories. The kids were so great with their attitude of service; it was such a blessing to be a part of. I also spent time in the kitchen helping to prep and serve the dinners each night. I was so blessed to be a part of the week. It was amazing to see how God was working through everyone the entire week. I thank you for allowing me to come down and be a part of God's service to the Gulf Coast.” Karen Burkholder

Volunteer groups scheduled for 2012:

March 5 – 10                      Group of 10
March 17 – 25                    Group of 20
March 31 – April 6           Group of 50
June 24 -30                        Group of 50
July 8 – 14                          Group of 60
July 15 – 21                       Group of 126
July 22 – 30                       Group of 90

There's room & work projects for more...Is it time for you to come?

Have you been thinking it would be a great experience for you, you’re church, youth or civic group to take part in a life-changing experience, by giving a few days or a week of service on the Gulf  Coast of Mississippi?  If so, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.  You may contact Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-1533 or akaren@bellsouth.net.

(NOTICE TO PARENTS:  Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler.)

Donations to PHC

In your generosity, please remember the on-going needs of Project Hope & Compassion.  All donations are gratefully received, and used for maintenance, general repair and the upkeep of PHC facilities.  It is by the generous support of our PHC family and friends that we are able to remain open to the volunteers who continue to come and serve.

Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at: http://www.projecthopeandcompassion.org/donate_page.htm, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS. Your donations are income tax deductible.

  Project Hope and Compassion Information

Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.

Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.

Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of:
St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503

Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net
Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-1533 or akaren@bellsouth.net
Richard Dunlap, Bookkeeper
Steve Hulst, Founder

Website: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org

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  Project Hope and Compassion Information

 Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

 Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.

 Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.

Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of:

St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503

Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net

Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-1533 or akaren@bellsouth.net

Richard Dunlap, Bookkeeper

Steve Hulst, Founder

 Website: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org

How can I help Project Hope and Compassion?

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

If you, you’re church, youth or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation. You may contact Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-1533 or akaren@bellsouth.net. Volunteers are needed for this coming fall and winter.

NOTICE TO PARENTS: Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler.

If you can’t come yourself, consider sponsoring others to come for a week.  Either an individual, church or organization may wish to make a financial donation to someone you know who wants to make the trip to Mississippi to volunteer, but can’t afford it on their own.  Talk with your friends or community and see if you can create some interest.

Financial contributions are needed and welcomed, as they allow us to keep our doors open to volunteers.  Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at our Donation Page, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503.  All gifts are tax-deductible.   Funds are used for the maintenance of Camp Hope and where possible, to purchase minimum repair and construction supplies for needy hurricane victims.

Also, help us make this newsletter even more informative by telling us what kind of news or information you’d like to see that’s isn’t being provided.  Please send your suggestions and ideas to us in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.

  Project Hope and Compassion Information

Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.

Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.

Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of:

St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503

Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net

Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-5767 or akaren@bellsouth.net

Steve Hulst, Founder ; stevehulst@charter.net