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| Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Laura Coleman went blind in her early childhood. She later contacted the measles and lost her hearing. I can't imagine being blind and deaf. That what Laura face every day of her life. There is over 50, 000 deaf people that live in Louisiana. In 2014 the Tangipahoa Parish 911 Center began using Smart911 for people who are hard of hearing. I'm starting to researching programs that can help Laura have a better quality of life. It will provide me the opportunity to learn about the resources that's offered to people like Laura who live in Tangipahoa Parish.
Laura's sister Ruthie stomps her feet when she wants to get Laura's attention. Laura feels the vibration for the floor and she knows that Ruthie is trying to get her attention. Ruthie promised her mother on her dying bed that she would take care of Laura and that is exactly what the entire family does.
Her sister and niece told us how Laura likes to sit on the front porch and get some fresh air. She hadn't been able to do that because the front porch had deteriorated and the family had to take it down due to safety reasons. During an interview with her sister Ruthie, I asked her what would she like to see a change in her home? "I would like to a front porch for my sister Laura," said Ruthie; she can't come outside and sit on the front porch like she use to. I guess I was still in shock that all she wanted was a front porch for her blind and deaf sister.
I walked over to talk with Wessam Albadry documentary and social photography photojournalist to tell him what her request was and he said he would help. The other volunteers all said that they would help out. Volunteers from the Town of Kentwood and San Francisco, California immediately started brainstorming to see what they could do to help. Some people donated the funds for materials and other donated their time and skills to build Laura a front porch.
Constable Lemmie Chapman III didn't hesitate to help. He picked up the supplies at the local hardware to build the porch for someone with special needs. Other came along and gave him a helping hand. The men in Coleman Place came after work to help. It was strange to see Wessam put down the camera and pick up work tools to help build Laura a porch. I'm so happy for Laura now, she can sit outside and enjoys the fresh cool morning and evening breeze.
During an interview with Constable Chapman, you could see the tears in his eyes after watching Laura come out and sit on the front porch. He made a difference in someone's life who really needed it. Although this home is out of his district but helping them was in his heart. We're proud to have caring people like him and all the volunteers who served others.
Constable Chapman believe in being a public servant to his community. He has been in office less then two years but he is making a great impact on the community. One more heart was gathered through this mission and we are here to help those in need.
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell
Left: Wallace Gilmore, Ruthie Coleman and Constable Lemmie Chapman III.
Copyright © 2016 by Antoinette Harrell
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