Reuniting in Allendale

The week's work is almost done and it's time to start the celebrations.

At 6:30 p.m. today a reception will be held for current and former Allendale residents at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1558 Buena Vista St.

It was organized by Renee Hooks, an Americorps employee who is working with The Fuller Center and Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal. She grew up in Allendale, and has memories of one big family of folks that looked out for each other.

That was before the "guns and knives" took over. Now, she looks at the few blocks developed by the Fuller Center and is amazed.

"It's a new and better Allendale, and one I could never have imagined," she said.

If folks come back to the neighborhood, she knows they'll be impressed and hopes it will encourage them to get involved in the rest of the rebuilding efforts.

"I know it's going to work. It's going to be a success."