The Arlene & Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation

If you’ve ever wanted to witness a near alien abduction, Ice Spice as a hilariously annoyed lifeguard, or two kids willing to risk it all just to make it to…Dallas? — then Goat in the Schools is the show for you! Join us for four wildly imaginative, student-written plays brought to life by professional actors — and best of all, it’s completely free! ?? Saturday, March 29 ?? 10–11 a.m. ?? Docville Farm Activities & snacks included. Perfect for ages 3 and up! Read More: https://lnkd.in/gzYYHZzd

The Meraux Foundation is proud to celebrate the grand opening of Glass Half Full’s new state-of-the-art glass recycling facility in St. Bernard Parish—a major win for our community, coast, and economy. With $2 million donated to Glassroots and $1.7 million to St. Bernard Parish Government for infrastructure, the Foundation helped make the facility’s Paris Road location a reality. “This milestone shows what’s possible when we invest in smart solutions,” said Rita Gue, Meraux Foundation president. “It will create jobs, reduce waste, and protect our coast—proving that economic growth and environmental progress go hand in hand.” Located in Chalmette, the facility can recycle over 300,000 pounds of glass daily, expanding collection across the Gulf South and producing materials for coastal restoration and glass manufacturing. This project transforms a former landfill into a hub of innovation—and we’re proud to be part of it. https://lnkd.in/gQvgYidZ

We are proud to celebrate the approval of $35 million in Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) funding for the Wood Lake Marsh Creation and Terraces project. The Meraux Foundation designed it in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This critical initiative will restore and protect marshland in St. Bernard Parish, northeast of Lake Lery and bordered by Howard’s Ditch and Bayou Terre aux Boeufs (BTaB). Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/g9D66TXa

Today we honor our founder, Arlene Meraux, who passed away 21 years ago. When she established the Meraux Foundation, Arlene entrusted her niece, Rita, with a simple yet profound mission: to ensure that the land and resources she transferred to the foundation would be used to enhance the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. Today, our board continues to honor her legacy, working tirelessly to bring her vision to life.

Blues, Brews + BBQ will return on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the the Meraux Foundation’s Docville Farm (5124 E Street, E St Bernard Hwy, Violet, LA 70092). This year’s event promises a full day of lively blues music, mouth-watering barbecue, and a variety of local brews, all while supporting the essential programs of the Community Center of St. Bernard. The event will benefit the Center's food pantry, backpack program, and hygiene program, which are critical in helping underserved families throughout the parish. Music lineup, food vendors, and all the details here: https://lnkd.in/gpibcpAq #enjoystbernard

This summer, the Meraux Foundation once again demonstrated its commitment to educational excellence and environmental stewardship through the Mississippi River Delta Institute (MRDI). Held annually, MRDI is a free professional development program tailored to inspire and equip teachers in the St. Bernard Parish area. In the past, it has included unique programs both at the Mississippi River’s delta, the urban and natural setting of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and its headwaters in Itasca, Minnesota, fostering a deeper connection between these geographically distant yet intrinsically linked environments. For the first time this year, St. Bernard educators who attended the Mississippi River Institute (MRI) in Minneapolis had a chance to extend their learning in Duluth, Minnesota to experience the importance of Lake Superior. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/gZEHMETu

We were thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of glass half Glass Half Full's new headquarters in St. Bernard Parish this morning. The Meraux Foundation donated $2 million to the nonprofit Glassroots to assist with establishing the new glass recycling facility. We also donated $1.7 million to St. Bernard Parish Government for the infrastructure that will enable the new glass recycling facility to be located on Paris Rd. This initiative will not only create new jobs and generate tax revenue but also reinforce our parish's reputation as a hub for coastal restoration solutions. #StBernardParish #economicdevelopment #glassrecycling

The Meraux Foundation proudly announces the completion of a program it funded for the STEM Library Lab to provide education resources to educators to better serve their students in St. Bernard Parish this past school year. With a contribution of $10,000, the Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and education in the local community. Full story: https://lnkd.in/gKGCygUk #stbernardparish #merauxfoundation #stem #stemeducation

The Meraux Foundation announced that it has donated $2 million to the nonprofit Glassroots to assist with establishing the new glass recycling facility in St. Bernard Parish. This latest donation follows the $1.7 million the Meraux Foundation donated to St. Bernard Parish Government for the infrastructure that will enable the new glass recycling facility to be located on Paris Rd. Rita Gue, President of the Meraux Foundation, expressed her excitement about the donation saying, "We are delighted that our donation will help Glass Half Full establish its headquarters in St. Bernard Parish. This initiative will not only create new jobs and generate tax revenue but also reinforce our parish's reputation as a hub for coastal restoration solutions." https://lnkd.in/gaUzVDWc

The Meraux Foundation proudly announces that Blaise Pezold, the Foundation’s Coastal and Environmental Program Director, has been honored with the 2024 Coastal Stewardship Award by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL). Pezold has been instrumental in advancing the Meraux Foundation's mission to improve the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish through the preservation, protection, and restoration of the area's natural environment. His work encompasses field projects, strategic partnerships, community engagement, and public awareness, all aimed at preserving and restoring Louisiana’s vulnerable coast. #stbernardparish #coastalrestoration https://lnkd.in/gsY3xYdv