 Opportunity | Equity | Youth and Family Voice | Access | Action
City Seeks Partners to Host Youth Vaccination Events
Now, more than ever, we need community leaders to step up and help vaccinate NOLA youth! If you are a service provider offering programming for families and youth this summer, please follow this link to fill out a short survey and we will contact you about setting up an event.
Pathways Program Graduates Second Cohort
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Join us in congratulating our second cohort of Pathways program graduates! 60% of graduates of this 15-week program for system-involved youth are either re-enrolled in school or connected to employment. At the conclusion of the program youth enjoyed a weekend retreat to Cloud Canyon National Park in Rising Falls, Georgia. |
The vast majority of the young people said this was their first time leaving the state of Louisiana. They experienced zip-lining, hiking, a cooking class, and much more. Pathways youth continue to receive intensive case management and mentorship as they transition to their next steps. Our third cohort of 22 youth began their journey on April 5th. |
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Summer Programming Showcase Unites Schools and Providers
In March, OYF was proud to collaborate with NOLA Public Schools to host the inaugural ‘Summer Programming Showcase’ event. This virtual matchmaking soiree attracted over 80 summer enrichment providers and schools from across the city to partner and engage students this summer using expanded funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Special thanks to YouthForce NOLA, New Orleans Youth Alliance and the Children & Youth Planning board for their partnership in this endeavor!
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Mayor Visits Langston Hughes Academy at LA Children's Museum
On April 27th Mayor Cantrell and OYF’s Director, Emily Wolff, visited Langston Hughes Academy at the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) campus. As a result of the pandemic, LCM closed its doors to the public in April 2020. However, through an innovative partnership with FirstLine Schools and the support of the Helis Foundation, LCM was able to provide a rich learning environment for pre-k and k students for the 2020-2021 academic year. Mayor Cantrell had a chance to hang out with curious, deep-thinking learners and to see the positive impact of this partnership in action!
The Louisiana Children’s Museum reopened on Saturday May 29th. For more information, visit: Home | LCM
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NORD Staff Gear Up for the Summer with Mental Health Training
The 2020-21 school year took a major toll on the mental health and well-being of our youth. To prepare NORD summer camp staff to work with young people this summer, the Office of Youth and Families engaged the New Orleans Youth Alliance (NOYA) to provide training on trauma-informed practices and conflict resolution techniques. Additionally, through a partnership with the New Orleans Business Alliance, NORD staff received mental health first-aid training to be able to respond to the needs of campers holistically.
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Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) Shines a Light on Youth Mental Health Needs
MYAC culminated their 2020-2021 term with the production of a town hall event on the topic of youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Council members invited NOLA youth to join them and a panel that included Dr. Rochelle Dunham, Executive and Clinical Director of Metropolitan Human Services District and Melissa Haley, President of the National Association of Black Social Workers to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, coping strategies, and access to resources. Check out the webinar here.
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PLTI Graduates 7th Cohort of Parent Leaders
On April 20th, 14 passionate, creative and dedicated parent leaders graduated from the Parent Leadership Training Institute. Each parent leader developed a community impact project ranging from initiatives focused on preventing food waste in schools, community book clubs, and advocacy platforms to restructure child welfare policy.
The Parent Leadership Training Institute is a free program that enables parents to become better leading advocates for children. This program helps parents develop the civic skills necessary to connect with the government, analyze civic issues, and bring about change. Participants commit to a 20-week course and meet weekly for three hours per week.
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Nothing Stops a Bullet Like a Job: Youth Summer Internships
This month, OYF kicks off our 5-week Summer Success Internship Program, which will serve 125 at-risk youth referred to the program by juvenile justice partners and NOLA Public Schools. Youth ages 14-17 will participate in paid work-readiness experiences this summer at sites that stretch from the Ninth Ward to Algiers. Check back for more updates throughout the summer on social media.
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Update on ARPA Benefits
Parents and families across the city are eligible for multiple expanded benefits under the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law by President Biden. These benefits provide direct financial payments to families, assistance with utility bills, and expanded food assistance to name just a few.
The Office of Youth and Families maintains an inventory of available benefits on our website. We encourage families and service providers to check out this resource and share it with their communities!
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NORD Wants to Hear from You!
NORD is administering a city-wide survey to collect feedback from the community about activities residents enjoy, other services NORD should offer, and scheduling options for recreation and leisure activities.
All responses are completely anonymous, and the results of this survey will be used by NORD for planning purposes only. You may take the City of New Orleans Recreation and Leisure Survey here. The survey closes on June 14th.
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New Orleans Public Library Reopens to the Public and Launches SUMMER FUN
On Monday, May 17, the New Orleans Public Library reopened, allowing patrons to come into Library buildings without making appointments. The Library continues to follow City health officials and CDC guidelines in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing. All New Orleans Public Library locations require masking.
For the second year, SUMMER FUN at the New Orleans Public Library is going virtual. Join the Library for virtual programs, including visits with Audubon Nature Institute educators, a financial literacy series with Flyte Coaching, book clubs, online games, and more. Don’t forget to track your reading or your child’s reading for prizes using our reading tracker and BINGO card. Join in the SUMMER FUN by signing up at summerfun.nolalibrary.org today.
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OYF Community Resources Guide
Please check out OYF’s Community Resource guide with helpful links to several different family, educational, behavioral health, and federal benefits programs.
Click here to visit the website.
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