Dominican Sisters Established Peace Center in Gert Town
The religious group opened a neighborhood center 13 years ago to provide youth and senior services in New Orleans.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in African-American
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Established 13 years ago, the Peace Center provides critical afterschool and senior programming in the Gert Town neighborhood of New Orleans. The facility operates from a former grocery store to serve a community where one-third of residents live in poverty.
Why it matters
The center was created after congregational leadership determined that the sisters needed a stronger presence in the local area. By canvassing residents near St. Mary's Dominican High School, the sisters aimed to directly address specific social needs.
Approximately 70% of Gert Town residents are Black, and nearly three-fourths of renters pay over 30% of their income toward housing. The average annual household income in the neighborhood remains below $46,000.
The players
Dominican Sisters of Peace
This religious institute formed in 2009 and operates social service programs in urban communities.
Mabel Harris Thomas
She is a local resident who celebrated her 100th birthday on May 14.
The details
Three Dominican Sisters of Peace live in an apartment directly above the community center to maintain daily engagement. To connect with the public, the sisters visited local Baptist churches and attended police department meetings to introduce their mission.
Timeline
The Dominican Sisters of Peace religious institute formed in 2009.
The Peace Center began operations in the neighborhood 13 years ago.
Mabel Harris Thomas celebrated her 100th birthday on May 14.
Culture Shift
The Peace Center follows a pattern set by the Dominican Sisters of Peace organizational outreach mission. This approach reflects a shift toward place-based ministry, moving from institutional education to direct social engagement in under-resourced urban neighborhoods.
Residents in Gert Town benefit from regular afterschool programs for children and structured social activities for seniors. These services provide essential support for families struggling with housing costs that often exceed 30% of their household income.
The takeaway
The Peace Center demonstrates how religious organizations can integrate into neighborhood life by repurposing vacant commercial spaces. Its success highlights the importance of localized canvassing when designing community-led social programs.
Further reading
Learn more about the history and cultural developments of the community in New Orleans.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Catholic Reporter.
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