Southern Baptist settlement work in New Orleans, 1946--1969
Description
This study focuses on the River Front Missions in New Orleans from 1946-1969. The River Front Missions consisted of four Baptist settlement houses, or Good Will Centers, Rachel Sims Memorial Mission; Carver Baptist Center; Toledano Mission; and Bowen Center. Baptist settlement work in New Orleans was examined in the context of Southern Baptist settlement work and the Social Settlement Movement in social work. Five aspects of settlement work were studied: (1) purpose; (2) settlement leaders, staff, and volunteers; (3) neighborhoods and neighborhood residents; (4) programs and service delivery; and (5) governing boards and funding This research adds to the literature supporting an expanded definition of the Settlement Movement to recognize the contributions of religious settlements, in particular, Southern Baptist settlements. In comparing and contrasting Baptist Good Will Centers with social settlements, more similarities than differences were evident. Both social settlements and Baptist Good Will Centers emphasized residence in the neighborhood and community assessment. Both groups also had religious motivations and missionary intentions. In addition, social and Baptist Good Will Centers had more success working with children and offered programs specifically designed for children. Women found opportunities of service in social settlements and Baptist Good Will Centers, even though they eventually lost many of the leadership positions to men. The characteristics of settlement workers also were similar in social and Baptist settlements. Finally, the settlements confronted some of the same challenges in regard to funding and transitioning neighborhoods The implications of the study for social work include the choice to recognize and reassess the value and role of religious service providers. In addition, social work educators can consider teaching and examining the religious roots of settlement houses and social work in general. Social work educators also may encourage religious service workers to consider professional social work education to gain additional training and skills to enhance their work. Social workers also can choose to advocate for religious providers to maintain their identity and purpose as they fill gaps in community social services