The BHP YMCA will host “Shelter from the Storm: A Providence House Documentary,” Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 6:00pm, in the gymnasium at 3455 Knight Street, Shreveport, LA.
The documentary, narrated by Louisiana legend Rick Rowe, premiered on November 3, 2022, at the Robinson Film Center to a sold-out crowd. The film highlights the vision and commitment of two, tenacious trail blazers – Jean Sayres and Mary Anne Selber – who, along with the generosity of First Presbyterian Church and an entire community, set out to change the landscape of homelessness for families with children.
This documentary marks the first of its kind in northwest Louisiana and really brings to life the success that can happen when a community – regardless of race, color, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or zip code – rallies together for positive change. Providence House represents the sum total of individuals, church families from every faith, city and state leaders, the philanthropic community, corporations, and youth groups from across Louisiana. This beautiful love story details the genesis of an almost 35-year-old, grass-roots organization that is now a beacon of hope for the city of Shreveport.
Verni Howard, Executive Director of Providence House shares, “We started the journey of capturing pieces of our oral history two years ago. We quickly realized that the depth, breadth, and scope of Providence House encompassed the entire community. The full story is critical to share, and we believe this film will serve as a great teaching tool for our whole community.”
“When we began our ‘Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home’ initiative in February, events like this are exactly what we wanted to host,” explains Gary Lash, CEO of the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana. “There is so much positive and important work happening in this community. We want to use the space we have been blessed to have at the Y to bring people together to highlight that work.”
Jean Sayres and Mary Anne Selber will be present for the encore performance to greet the community. Providence House will host a question-and-answer period following the film. Everyone is invited to this free event! Please reserve your seat by visiting www.theprovidencehouse.com.