LAPLACE — Ivy Mathieu believes in the empowerment of the individual who can drive change.

While stopping by the 70068 Post Office in LaPlace in late May, she noticed the landscaping was untrimmed and overgrown. After a spur of the moment talk with the postmaster, Ivy, a retired St. John the Baptist Parish resident, used her own hedge clippers to spruce up the surroundings and promote a more beautiful LaPlace.

She visits the Post Office to trim monthly but stops by more frequently to pick up trash.

It’s just one of several ways Ivy volunteers, and none of it is for the recognition. She’s a behind-the-scenes player with a seat at the table in numerous community organizations, never one for the spotlight.

Despite this, Ivy hopes to drive a culture of giving back in St. John the Baptist Parish and beyond.

“I care about people, and I care about the environment. That’s what drives my volunteerism,” Ivy said, noting she is a farmer’s daughter who enjoys working in the yard and with her hands.

“I enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, so I want to show my respect to her. It gives me satisfaction and fulfillment to see a job done.”

In October 2017, Ivy was appointed to the St. John Coastal Advisory Committee. She’s attended several public meetings on resiliency since Hurricane Isaac struck in 2012 in an effort to build a stronger, more flood resistant community.

As a proponent for Foundation of Louisiana’s LEAD the Coast curriculum, she is raising public awareness for coastal erosion. She hopes to work with local schools to share the importance of environmental conservation and recycling.

Ivy has participated in St. John Clean Sweeps for many years. She’s a member of Keep St. John Beautiful and a new appointee to the Louisiana Recycling Coalition Board, through which she has taken eye-opening tours of landfill sites and seen a need for new infrastructure and a change in mindset.

Apart from volunteering on the environmental front, Ivy has also provided a voice for children in foster care through CASA in the River Parishes. She currently sits on a diversity and inclusion committee for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ivy is quick to note that she’s not the only one making a difference in her community — in recent months, there have been numerous school supply giveaways and sporting events to give the youth a sense of community and purpose.

Church groups have donated to elderly nursing home residents, and children have raised money to send their peers to summer camp. Leaders of nonprofit groups have extended thousands of dollars in scholarships and have taught children and adults to swim.

She works closely with Za Maurin for Keep St. John Beautiful events, and he has been hard at work planning initiatives to promote a greener community.

“If you see something, do whatever is within your means,” Ivy said. “We see a lot of that in the community with people doing backpack giveaways. It’s not about how much money you have. It’s about your passion and your ability and wanting to help.”

Volunteer work doesn’t have to be grandiose to change the world in a small and meaningful way, Ivy said.

“It can be something as simple as writing a check,” she said. “It can be as simple as spending time with an elder. It can be as simple as picking up the trash in front of your own property.”

According to Ivy, gardeners can contribute by sharing their vegetables with a neighbor or a senior. Those who are passionate about children can volunteer with CASA or call local schools to learn about mentorship opportunities. For some, a sense of purpose comes from volunteering at church events.

“First, you have to ask yourself what your passion is,” Ivy said. “I’ve always believed I have to give back. That’s the purpose of my existence. That’s what I believe in my heart.”

 

— Header image photo credit: Christopher Johnson