Rebuilding New Orleans

Sister Joan White holds the hand of a client from her Lantern Light ministry in New Orleans. White, 71, is one of five Sisters from the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary Order from St. John's, N.L. who went to New Orleans in order to volunteer to serve the poor after Hurricane Katrina's destruction in August 2005.

Lantern Light's mission is to help the poor and homeless with just about anything, from basic necessities such as food, water and clothing to renovating homes for seniors and building affordable housing. "Our ministry is expanding as the needs arise," says Sister Joan.

Connecting with clients and ensuring they know that they matter to someone is important to Sister Joan. "I get the greatest joy in meeting people one-on-one and hearing their story and being an open listener to what they have to say," she explains. And the rewards from her volunteer services are great: "I am learning so much myself, about people and their struggles and their joys, and the gratitude that they have in the bottom of their hearts, and their sense of family."