Photo by L.A. Reno
Sweet Home New Orleans is a free and accessible social service clearinghouse of resources for New Orleans’ music and cultural community. The heart of our organization is our case management system, through which culturally sensitive social workers and case managers assess the needs of the city’s musicians and culture bearers through an extensive intake process. With information gathered through the intake, SHNO is able to determine the needs of the city’s historically under-served music community and provide direct financial assistance for immediate needs, referrals to our network of partner non-profit service providers around the city, and advocacy to numerous local and national organizations for additional resources ranging from health care to housing assistance.
SHNO disburses funding for clients’ immediate needs on an emergency basis. Financial needs due to unforeseeable or uncontrollable life events such as medical emergencies or job loss are prioritized. Requests from elderly clients, those living on fixed incomes and clients with dependents will also be given preference. We are able to respond to time-sensitive needs such as car repairs or funeral expenses within a matter of days. To help our clients progress towards long-term sustainability, SHNO case managers also provide numerous in-kind services such as identifying affordable housing and conducting one-on-one financial management sessions with their clients.
Our client follow up survey data for 2010 indicated a high level of community need for mental health services. In response, our Social Services department has added individual and group counseling sessions, conducted by our Director of Social Services, Bethney Whittington, a Licensed Master of Social Work. In addition, we are now offering an aftercare support group in partnership with MusiCares specifically designed for musicians who are in recovery. Members of the music community of New Orleans face a direct challenge to their sobriety every time they perform. This support group will focus on the unique challenges faced by musicians who are in recovery while working in the entertainment industry, which is heavily located in or near restaurants and bars. Topics addressed will include individual recovery plans, relapse prevention, relationships, and other topics related to maintaining sobriety while also earning a living in the entertainment industry. This program is designed to provide long term, culturally sensitive, support to those who have been through rehabilitation for substance abuse.
How to Become a Sweet Home Client
Sweet Home New Orleans currently serves the musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members of the Greater New Orleans area. To receive assistance from SHNO you must be able to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- For individuals over the age of 50: Must have been active for at least 5 years, prior to the time of initial intake meeting with SHNO, as a masking Mardi Gras Indian, Musician, or parading Social Aid & Pleasure member and continues to be active in the cultural community
- For individuals between the ages of 30 and 50: Must have been active for at least 4 years, prior to the time of initial intake meeting with SHNO, as a masking Mardi Gras Indian, Musician, or parading Social Aid & Pleasure member and continues to be active in the cultural community
- For individuals under the age of 30: Must have been active as a masking Mardi Gras Indian, professional Musician, and/or a parading Social Aid and Pleasure Club member for at least 2 years prior to the time of intake and remains active as such