Women for International Peace and Arbitration (WIPA) Arizona chapter, volunteered to pitch in and help with the re-location in the Phoenix Valley of 2,000 evacuee families after Katrina hit  New Orleans and other nearby communities a year ago. Jannah Scott, from Governor Janet  Napolitano’s office, met with WIPA members and trained them in order to help these families with their orientation and ongoing needs.  A Christmas party was held and hundreds of gifts wrapped by Sally Pless, Emily Conley, Pam Abwenzi, Gloria Haithman,WIPA members, and given out to some 50 children and their parents. The Governor was very happy with the results of the entire project and decided to change the name to“Project Restore”,and make it an ongoing resource for these families and other needy people in the valley to come to for help. About 1,000 people are still here, from Katrina, and have made their homes here in Arizona. 

An upcoming event for WIPA is the dedication of their “Peace Garden” on Nov. 19^th at the Tempe Baha’i Center. A place for all to come and pray. Ongoing monthly meetings, with special speakers, will address woman’s issues i.e., Educating Children, Women as Peacemakers, Our Role in Peace and Arbitration.