Hagar's House

Hagar's House is a sanctuary for women and children in New Orleans that provides a residential community, resource assistance, and a safe place to transition into permanent housing.  Since opening in 2007, Hagar's House has assisted more than 80 women and children.  Hagar's House is a program of First Grace United Methodist Church and its associated nonprofit, First Grace Community Alliance.

Loyola service learning students can aid staff and residents with daily activities in the house.  Depending on interest and skill, students can participate in playgroups, story time, art & music activities, or homework groups with children, as well as English language tutoring, art, gardening, and social justice programs with adults.  Students are encouraged to propose and develop their own programs based on their talents and passions.  All students should be ready and willing to assist residents with anything from figuring out a bus route to working on a resume to finding an affordable dentist.  Students can also help us with special events and daily house operations like helping in the office or sorting donations.  All Loyola service learning students placed at Hagar's House will be expected to maintain a helpful, peaceful presence at all times.

Students will learn about house residents and their stories.  They will also have the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of children.  Students are welcome to attend weekly discussions, in which staff & residents cover topics such as feminism, the Medicaid system, and transgender inclusivity.  Because some situations in the house can be intense, students will also have the opportunity to learn about self-care and boundaries.  We are a wonderful site for anyone who struggles to understand and seeks to undo systems of oppression as they interact with race, gender, class, age, region, sexual orientation, and social structures that often challenge the communities of women with whom we are living and working.

Location

To protect the safety of our residents, the location of Hagar's House is confidential.  Students selected to serve at Hagar's House will be notified about its location.

Transportation

10-15 minute drive from Loyola (on-site parking lot available)
Although the location of Hagar's is confidential, it is eligible for our cab sharing pilot program!
20 minute bike ride from Loyola
40-50 minutes via public transit

View more information on transportation »

Days & times

Mondays 7-8:15pm
Tuesdays 5-6:15pm
Thursdays 5:30pm-6:45pm
Possibly some Saturdays in the late morning/early afternoon or other weekday evenings.
Book club for THEA-M240 only: Tuesdays 7-8 pm

Preservice requirements

Interested students will be required to submit a resume or a list of relevant skills and experiences.  An on-site orientation will be required for all students serving at Hagar's House.

Contact

Carolyn Mayes, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator
hagarshousevolunteers@gmail.com, 504.210.5064