OUR STORY

Elan Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in New Orleans, LA. Founded by Rev. Teresa J. Reiger, Ph.D., our story began in 2003 as an urban ministry internship program aimed at training individuals to “cultivate hope and wellbeing in individuals and communities”, ministering to our neighbors’ spiritual and physical needs.

August 29, 2005 initiated a major shift in focus when Hurricane Katrina raced through the Gulf coast. The spiritual and physical needs of our community escalated to an unprecedented degree. Our methods of caring for our community shifted, though our mission remained the same: to “cultivate hope and wellbeing in individuals and communities.”

Immediately following the hurricane, volunteers from every direction joined the disaster relief efforts along the Gulf coast. In New Orleans, Dr. Reiger welcomed volunteers and began to organize assistance for residents in our community. Eventually, her efforts were officially recognized as HisHands2Go, the disaster relief branch of Elan Ministries. For the next 20 years we hosted volunteer groups and connected them with our neighbors, offering disaster relief assistance such as mudding, gutting, mold remediation, and minor repair/reconstruction projects. Our commitment to disaster relief through HisHands2Go was fulfilled in 2025.

However, we are continuing our volunteer presence in the community with Swift Hands Collaborative, launched in January 2026. Named after long-time Director of HH2G, Larry Swift, Swift Hands Collaborative is building upon the foundation of volunteerism already laid by HH2G. Post-disaster relief, Swift Hands Collaborative continues providing volunteer assistance, but with a wider scope of projects coordinated with other nonprofits and churches in New Orleans.

Garden on Marais, a primary branch of Elan Ministries, launched in 2010. With our missional focus of “cultivating hope and wellbeing in individuals and communities,” Garden on Marais offers an agricultural gathering space, providing educational opportunities and facilitating access to nutrient-rich foods. Our humble beginnings on an undeveloped plot of land have blossomed into a fully-functioning neighborhood garden, complete with a small group of farm animals.

Folks of all ages are welcome at Garden on Marais. With involvement from our neighbors, we celebrate life in growing and sharing fresh produce and herbs, providing hands-on learning experiences in urban agricultural practices, offering a safe play area for kids, and facilitating celebratory gatherings. In every function of Elan Ministries, our mission remains the same: Cultivating hope and wellbeing in individuals and communities.