Announcement from the Board of CIA PDF Print E-mail
Over the last six months, CIA’s Board of Directors have been deep in dialogue about the present situation and future hopes of the organization.  At our annual meeting in October, board members Sr. Muriel Cameron, RSCJ, Stacey Jonas, and Meg Griffiths joined staff Jocelyn Sideco and Tony  Mazza in a conversation led by consultant Mary Baudouin. Throughout  the weekend,  we celebrated the successes of the organization and its outreach;  we evaluated  the current finances, staff resources, board structure, and mission; the impact it has had on folks near and  far; and its collaborative spirit and leadership in the New Orleans community.  However, we have also faced some serious challenges as a young non-profit.  We have struggled to secure sustainable funding, which has prevented us from supporting on-the-ground staff and stunted the organization’s capacity for long-term success.
  
After a follow-up conversation with fellow board members Tom Krettek, SJ and Jim Briggs, the board recommended that CIA look for opportunities to merge or partner with another non-profit in New Orleans.  A merger with an organization that is similarly inspired and mission-driven, better established, and in better financial health would allow CIA to continue its work, but in a new and more sustained way. 
 
This led to an on-going conversation with the Christian Renewal Center of New Orleans (CRNO), a burgeoning non-profit born out of a desperate time of recovery, rebuilding, change, and transition after Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding of New Orleans. CRNO seeks to create opportunities to renew, restore, and re-enliven communities through attention to innovative ministers and entrepreneurial leaders. Our organizations share much of the same spirit, vision, and inspiration. However, after further reflection, we came to a mutual conclusion that a legal merger is not in either of our best interests.

 
After much discernment and prayer, the Board of CIA has decided to dissolve the organization as such, effective June 30, 2011. We will donate our physical assets, such as furniture and our extensive library, as well as some of our social capital, to CRNO. 
 

It is our hope that their ministry will continue some of our own, in their own way. As it stands, Jocelyn serves on their Board and chairs the Vocational Discernment and Mentoring Team. Our First Friday Socials may continue to bring people together from all walks of life!
 
As we prepare to thoughtfully close our doors, we express a huge debt of gratitude to you, our  volunteers, supporters, guests, partners, friends, and  family. You consistently made this ministry possible and have encouraged us with your prayer and support. 

We truly believe that our work here in New Orleans has been valuable, successful, and meaningful, and we thank you for collaborating with us in that ministry. It is our hope that  you  will  take  some  time  to  acquaint  yourself  with  CRNO  and  consider  extending your time,  talent,  and  support  to  them  as  they  continue  to  minister  to  the  people  of New Orleans.