Gentilly Civic Improvement Association

From New Orleans Wiki

Gentilly Civic Improvement Association Gentilly

[edit] History

In October of 2005, a handful of members of the Yahoo group Gentilly after Katrina (GaK) organized a meeting with Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell in order to become informed of what were the plans for the rebuilding of the many small neighborhoods of Gentilly post-Katrina. Later a series of teleconferences occured between these members seeking to create a voice for Gentilly and insure that their part of the city was not left behind in the overall rebuilding efforts of New Orleans. They also sought to maintain the flavor of Gentilly's neighborhoods.

Shortly thereafter the members were approached by Scott and LaDonna Darrah about creating the Gentilly Civic Improvement Association (GCIA) in order to create an umbrella organization to unite Gentilly neighborhoods and their Associations. GCIA was recognized by the Louisiana Secretary of State as a new Non-Profit entity in November of 2005.

Through time the GCIA has formed working relationships with the University of New Orleans, Dillard University and Southern University of New Orleans. These relationships have aided GCIA and the community towards creating viable plans for rebuilding and enriching Gentilly.

The GCIA Mission Statement:

"We, the Gentilly Civic Improvement Association, are a diverse group of residents, businesses, and civic organizations who have come together to form one united voice dedicated to preserving and improving our historic Gentilly neighborhoods."