Local hopes to bring Abraham’s Tent to JDP
A city resident dedicated to helping others is hoping to bring Abraham’s Tent into the parish.
“I would like to feed the hungry in our community,” said Vera Abraham. “We have a need for that in this area.”
Abraham’s Tent is a nationally recognized feeding program in Lake Charles that serves about 93,000 meals per year to Calcasieu residents who are homeless, unemployed, underemployed, mentally ill, seniors and families in crisis. Founded in 1986 with the primary purpose of addressing food poverty, the non-profit has expanded to provide those in need with access to baby supplies like diapers and formula, personal hygiene products, clothing and bedding. Visitors to the facility also have access to free laundry facilities and private showers, as well as key preventive health services like flu and shingles vaccinations.
Abraham said she has discussed the matter with several locals who agree such a project is necessary
“Some major people are interested,” she said. “We just need to find a place for it to be held.”
Abraham said she knows there would be no problem garnering support for such a project.
“Food will be easy to find,” said Abraham. “People in this city do not mind donating to a good cause.”
Dedicated to addressing food poverty, Abraham is already involved with the annual Summer Feeding Program, made possible by support from Jeff Davis Parish School Board, area businesses and churches and individuals. The program allows qualifying school-age youth access to meals on weekdays during summer break. Activities are also scheduled each weekday so students can remain active and engaged in a positive, safe environment.
As a retired educator, Abraham is proud to continue working with children years after her retirement.
“I enjoy working with children so much,” said Abraham. “It gives me great joy to see my students from the past becoming successful and the progress they continue to make.”
Abraham is no stranger to volunteerism and helping those in need.
She graduated from Grambling State University (GSU) in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She went on to receive master’s degrees from Southern University and McNeese State University.
She is still an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, the National Association of University Women and GSU Alumni Chapter.
Abraham worked as a sixth-grade teacher for 28 years and is currently the second-vice president of the Local Retired Teachers’ Association, as well as a lifetime member of the National Association of Retired Teachers.
A devout Christian, Abraham is a member of Our Lady Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Knights of Peter Clavier and St. Vincent DePaul Society.
She is also a member of countless other civic groups and volunteer organizations, including Kiwanis Club, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 520, Rotary Club and Red Hat Society.
Abraham is also a past president of the Jennings American Legion Hospital Pink Ladies and Advisory Board. Shas served on the Head Start Advisory Board and Save Our Children board of directors as well as the Greater Chamber of Commerce and Jeff Davis Business Alliance. She volunteers her time with the Council on Aging, Caring Hands and a Foster Grandparents program.
Abraham is on the Jeff Davis Parish Library Board of Directors and the advisory board for Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
In her lifetime, she has received many awards and honors from clubs, community organizations and even the City of Jennings.
However, Abraham said her accomplishments were made possible by people in this community who support her and the many local projects that touch lives.
“You have a dream in this parish, just work on it and it will be accomplished due to community support,” said Abraham. “People here will help. Contact people you know that are involved and keep working. Don’t give up.”