DREAMS understands that the engine of vibrant communities is entrepreneurship. Our goal is to support those who are interested in starting or growing a business in rural Louisiana, especially those in the Arts and Agriculture. Our Museum celebrates local artists and our Artist Showcase spotlights artists and artisans in the community.
About Us
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2001, Campti Field of Dreams is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Louisiana residents by growing food, developing farmers and rebuilding the fabric of our rural communities. Our programs are implemented in collaboration with local, state and federal partners to fight persistent poverty through sustainable entrepreneurship. We operate the Campti Historic Museum, Jackson Square Community Garden and Tallowah Farm: a twenty-five-acre sustainable agriculture demonstration farm.
Permaculture Design Magazine Article: Isaacs-#108
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We take a holistic approach to community revitalization that considers Culture, Health, Education, Employment, Safety & Security and the Environment, both Built and Natural (CHEESE) because:
WE BELIEVE everyone should know where they come from and the contribution their ancestors made to this country.
- WE BELIEVE in abundance and that everyone should have access to affordable nutrient dense food without harmful herbicides, pesticides and antibiotics.
- WE BELIEVE the economic engine of any community is entrepreneurship so we support small businesses that create living wage jobs in their local communities.
- WE BELIEVE everyone deserves to live, work and play in healthy, energy-efficient structures.
- WE BELIEVE everyone deserves an opportunity to maximize their potential and actualize their DREAMS.
HOW WE WORK
Campti Field of Dreams (DREAMS) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in underserved communities through education, economic development, recreational activities and community service. Programs are grouped into four major categories: Cultural Heritage; Green Rehabilitation; Local Food Production and Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
Cultural Heritage
The Campti Historic Museum was the first program of the organization, founded in 2001. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Campti and surrounding communities. Exhibits honors those that have served, shares the genealogy on the newly recognized Natchitoches Tribe, documents the churches and schools and celebrate our businesses. It is actively used for quilting, art and agripreneurship classes. It also serves as a gallery for local artists.
Local Food Production
DREAMS operates two community gardens, Jackson Square Community Garden in Natchitoches and Campti Community Garden within the limits of the Town of Campti. The flooding of the Red River over the past two years has halted production in the Campti Community Garden. However, just two months before the garden flooded for the first time in decades, we signed a lease agreement to farm 25-acres of the Vic and Amelia Richards Estate. We are developing a Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Farm. The working farm will serve as a teaching tool for historically underserved farmers, ranchers and value-added producers.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Green Rehabilitation
DREAMS supports the development of a healthy, resource-efficient, mixed-use, mixed-income, built environment like the historic main streets and downtown communities for in rural areas. We provide consultation services to assist rural communities to preserve their building in a way that honors the past and supports the needs of future generations.
Board of Directors
Gayle Lewis
PRESIDENT
Linda Queen
VICE PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Duncan
DIRECTOR
Rozetta Smith
SECRETARY
Jane Watts
TREASURER
Staff
Donna Isaacs
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Donna Isaacs, LEED AP, Executive Director, has over 20 years of administrative experience and a history of working with underserved communities. Prior to relocating to Campti, she served as the Executive Director and Project Manager of the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center in Gainesville, Florida. She has instructed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Exam Prep Workshops nationwide for the University of Florida and the National Center for Preservation, Technology and Training and served as the conference coordinator for the international conference Rethinking Sustainable Construction 2006. Isaacs is honored to represent the great State of Louisiana as a member of the 2017-2018 class of the Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. With a background in sustainable development, she is committed to fighting poverty, obesity and other health-related illnesses that plague small rural communities.
OUR SPONSORS, PARTNERS
Campti Field of Dreams could not accomplish its work without the support of committed, knowledgeable, experienced partners. Partnering with USDA NRCS has allowed us to host outreach events that increase participation in NRCS programs and services by socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers in Louisiana. The LSU AgCenter shares its technical expertise to educate the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and value-added producers. The Natchitoches Parish Library Northeast Branch has been an invaluable partner, hosting many of our outreach and education events. Campti Community Development Center partnered with us for Food Day events and incorporated the community garden into their afterschool program so that students could experience the joy of planting, growing, harvesting and eating nutritious food. Many students from Northwestern State University have volunteered in the community garden and farm. It takes a village and we are grateful for your continued support.
