Southern Mutual Help Association

Street Address:
3602 Old Jeanerette Road
New Iberia, LA 70563


Phone: 337-367-3277
Fax: 337-367-3279
Website: www.southernmutualhelp.org

Lorna Bourg, Executive Director/President

Contact Name: Denise C Galatas
Phone: 337-367-3277
Fax:
Email: dgalatas@cox.net


Staff Size: Full Time: 9    Part Time: 2

Background
Southern Mutual Help Association was founded in 1969 to be an agent of change. SMHA was born out of the distressed and oppressive conditions found in the Louisiana cane fields. As a matter of justice, the pervasive conditions on the plantations had to be changed. SMHA's foundation was — and still is — our strong convictions and a passion for justice. Since 1969, Southern Mutual Help has been pioneering new approaches to the seemingly intractable challenges facing rural communities. We have taken a strong stand against the root causes of poverty: racism, sexism and classism. We have evolved from our beginnings in advocacy, documentation and confrontation to implement bold new strategies that forge ties across all segments of our communities. Through changing times, innovation and vision have remained at our core.

Mission
Southern Mutual Help Association (SMHA) helps people develop strong, healthy, prosperous rural communities in Louisiana. Our special focus is with distressed rural communities whose livelihoods are interdependent with our land and waters. We work primarily with agricultural and pervasively poor communities, women and people of color. We help build rural communities through people's growth in their own empowerment and the just management of resources. In keeping with its mission, Southern Mutual is playing a key role in the recovery and long-term development of hurricane-ravaged areas of South Louisiana ravaged through its Rural Recovery Response.

Total Operating Expense (9/30/2007): $4,921,465

 Lines of Business
  • Community Based Economic Development

  • Home Ownership Promotion Services

  • Lending and Loan Portfolio Management

  • Real Estate Development


    • National NeighborWorks ® Programs
  • NeighborWorks Rural Initiative

    • Accomplishments in FY 2008
  • Provided 14 families with pre- and post- purchase housing counseling.
  • Rehabilitated or repaired 95 rental or owner occupied units (1-4 units).
  • Assisted 7 families in purchasing a home through homeownership counseling, downpayment, closing cost or financing assistance.
  • Owned or managed 0 rental units.
  • Invested $621,392 in the community through Southern Mutual Help Association's revolving loan fund, which leveraged $2,281,127 from conventional lenders and other sources.
  • Total direct investment in the community is $2,902,519.

    • Community Services
  • Financial Planning and Assistance

  •  Down-payment Assistance

  •  Financial Education

  • Green Building and Home Improvement

  •  Energy Conservation Programs

  •  Environmental Friendly Building Materials

  •  Home Maintenance Training

  •  Indoor Environment Quality

  •  Sustainable Site Planning

  • Housing Programs and Home Ownership Counseling

  •  Home Ownership Counseling


    • Board of Directors
    NameBoard Role/TitleSectorCompany/OrganizationJob Title
    Lorna BourgBoard PresidentNon-Profit InstitutionSouthern Mutual Help Association, Inc. 
    Ned Doffoney, ED. D.Board MemberOtherFresno State Community College 
    Rep. Sydnie M DurandBoard MemberState Government  
    Judith V HerringBoard MemberResidentSouthern Mutual Help Association, Inc.Director, Directorate of Family and Community Development
    Roberta M MaddenBoard MemberNon-Profit InstitutionYWCA Greater Baton RougeDirector Women's Health & Public Policy
    Benny MenardBoard TreasurerFinancial InstitutionCommunity First BankPresident and CEO
    Karline TierneyBoard MemberOtherRetired Chemist 
    Helen VintonBoard MemberResidentSouthern Mutual Help Association, Inc.Assistant Executive Director/Life Quality Director
    Marion O WhiteBoard ChairResidentCivil Rights Attorney 

    About the NeighborWorks ® Network
    The NeighborWorks® network is a nationwide network of more than 240 community development organizations working in nearly 4358 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks® organizations have generated more than $8.5 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 500,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.

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