Deena Gerber worked for the Jewish Family Service for over thirty years, nineteen of those as executive director, overseeing social services throughout the community. During Katrina, she mobilized the organization to distribute funds, gift cards, and much-needed counseling to survivors, often asking, “What’s your plan du jour?” to take the pressure off clients struggling to find workable solutions amidst the chaos. As the city struggled to restore infrastructure, she continued to help survivors navigate social services, finally retiring from her position as executive director in 2013.

To view Deena Gerber's full interview, please visit the Internet Archive.