The Weathers Group Selected to Lead Post-Katrina Efforts

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Charles Weathers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (NNPA) - The Weathers Group, a consulting firm based in Columbia, S.C., has been selected to lead post- Katrina capacity-building efforts in the Gulf Coast, including areas in and surrounding the cities of New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge in Louisiana. With more than 20 years of community engagement and related experience, The Weathers Group will work with collaborating foundations to improve the performance, accountability, and outcomes of nonprofits in the region. Initially, the project will focus on five organizations in Louisiana, and will expand to include 11 nonprofits in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Nearly five years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the work of rebuilding and developing the Gulf Coast region is still underway. The economic and environmental impact of the recent British Petroleum (BP) oil spill on this area placed additional demands on an already economically challenged region of our country, said Gulf Coast Funders for Equity Coordinator Samantha Bickham. Thats why the Gulf Coast Funders for Equity was formed. As part of our holistic approach to philanthropy, we focus on engaging low and moderate-income communities in projects that promote economic development and self-sufficiency.

Gladys Washington, program director for the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, said she likes the groups track record.

We selected The Weathers Group for this project because of their success with other grassroots organizations based in the South, Washington said. When we began our search, The Weathers Group was referred to us by several organizations that realized tangible results from partnering with them. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, they understand our goals and how to build capacity so that participants can improve their performance and fulfill the missions of their organizations more effectively.

Weathers Group President Charles Weathers has set his vision for the project.

Collaborating with Gulf Coast Funders for Equity gives us a chance to make a difference in a region that has been faced with economic, social, and political challenges unlike anywhere else in the United States, he said. We appreciate the trust that has been placed in us, and we embrace this opportunity to be a part of a solution that will have a positive impact on so many lives.

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