The Alliance for Good Government Mourns passing of Members 

The Orleans Chapter of the Alliance for Good Government lost two dedicated members, Mr. Rich Hebert and Dr. Levon Leban. Both men will be missed.

Rich Hebert served as Chapter Vice President for many years. He enthusiastically lead the chapter in organizing sign waiving activities in support of endorsed candidates. 

Levon Leban (right) most recently served as an Alliance Board Member. He is the former President of the Orleans Chapter.

Orleans Chapter Honors Civic Group and Legislator for Community Contributions

During the annual Legislator of the Year Mixer, the Orleans Chapter of the Alliance for Good Government recognized the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Civic Engagement Award; and state Rep. Aimee Freeman with the chapter’s Legislator of the Year Award.

The Sisters of the Presentation lead two extraordinary New Orleans ministries: Lantern Light Ministry and Hotel Hope Ministry. Lantern Light Ministry opened its doors in August 2005; at the very moment Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and exposed the profound vulnerability of so many within our community. From those difficult
beginnings, Lantern Light emerged as a beacon of compassion and hope for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, hunger, and isolation.

Operating Monday through Friday throughout the year, Lantern Light provides nourishment, essential
services, and compassionate assistance. Guided by the charisma of Venerable Nano Nagle, the ministry recognizes the sacred worth of every
person and carries light into places too often overshadowed by hardship and despair.

In 2018, the Presentation Sisters opened Hotel Hope, a nonprofit, interfaith ministry rooted in the
transformative practice of “radical hospitality.” Hotel Hope provides safe, temporary housing, intensive
case management, and supportive services to women and their children experiencing homelessness. Through compassion, empowerment, and individualized care, families are given the opportunity to
rebuild their lives, regain stability, and move toward lasting self-sufficiency.

Together, Lantern Light Ministry and Hotel Hope represent far more than charitable outreach. They
are living expressions of Christian faith, social justice, and civic responsibility. Through these ministries,
the Presentation Sisters serve those who are poor, marginalized, forgotten, and most in need—not from
a distance, but with presence, humility, mercy, and love.

Legislator of the Year Award Recipient Rep. Aimee Freeman (center) stands with Alliance for Good Government Chairwoman, Ramona Fernandez (left) and Orleans Chapter President, Cate Swinburn (right).

“The Sisters remind us that civic engagement is not measured solely by public office, policy, or proclamation. It
is also measured by the lives we touch, the burdens we help carry, the dignity we restore, and the hope we
create within our communities Guided by the enduring spirit of Venerable Nano Nagle, the Sisters continue to
carry the light of Christ into the darkness, demonstrating that even one lantern of faith, courage, and
compassion can illuminate an entire community,” said Donaldo Batiste, award presenter.