Elysian Courtyards Grand Opening

On October 5, Elysian Courtyards of Gentilly, a new Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation housing initiative in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, held its grand opening. Formerly known as Chateau Carre, Elysian Courtyards is located in Gentilly and is functional for the first time since it flooded after Hurricane Katrina. It consists of 150 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Pictured from left are Dr. Albert Ruesga, President/CEO, Greater New Orleans Foundation; Charles Rice, Jr., President/CEO, Entergy New Orleans, Inc.; our President/CEO Jim LeBlanc; Kurt Maloney, our Board Chair; Robin Keegan, Executive Director, La. Office of Community Development; Nick Harris, Dillard University; Mike King, President/CEO, Volunteers of America, Inc; Victor Smeltz, Executive Director, Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corp.; New Orleans City Councilmember Cynthia Hedge Morrell; State Sen. Edwin Murray; Barbara Blackwell, Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association; Steve Hemperly, Greater New Orleans Marketing President, Capital One Bank, and Melissa Persaud, Director, Major League Baseball Players Trust.

ADOPT A CONSUMER IN NEED FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!

Would you like to adopt a person in need for Christmas and provide a wrapped gift to them? Perhaps you, your friends, family or co-workers would like to get together and each adopt someone rather than exchange gifts yourselves. If so, contact Dan Darbandi at Volunteers of America, ddarbandi@voagno.org. Dan can provide all needed information on each individual hoping to receive a gift this Christmas.

Help to make the holidays more meaningful and enjoyable --and give back to people in need in your community.

Pictured above is Kelia, a resident of our Olympia Community Home - she was thrilled to receive pajamas last year for Christmas!

New Veterans' Services Director

A big welcome to our new Veterans' Services Director, Mr. Randolph Macabitas. Randolph comes to us after a distinguished career in the United States military, serving in various capacities. Welcome to Volunteers of America, Randolph!

Veterans Honored

On Monday, October 11, two residents of our Veteran’s Transitional Housing, Mssrs. Mark Ford and Larry Noble (pictured), received awards at a ceremony hosted by the State of Louisiana’s Veterans’ Affairs department. In attendance at the event was Gov. Bobby Jindal, who spoke and handed out awards to veterans.

Our Veterans Transitional Housing helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives by providing housing, job training, support services, and more.

Congratulations Mark and Larry, and thank you for your service to our country!

Mentoring Children of Promise's Annual Picnic!

On Saturday, October 2, our Mentoring Children of Promise program hosted its annual picnic in Metairie’s Lafreniere Park. The Mentoring program provides adult mentors who offer young people of incarcerated parents support, friendship, reinforcement, and a constructive example. Orleans Parish Sheriff's Marlin Gusman and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand (pictured) were in attendance and handed out Junior Deputy Sheriff Certificates to the mentees at the picnic. Approximately 350 mentees and 350 mentors attended the event, which included snowballs, face painting, a spacewalk, rock climbing, sack races and lots of food. Thanks so much to our mentors, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office, and to Lafreniere Park for hosting the event!

If you'd like to become a mentor to a child with an incarcerated parent, please contact Sherlyn Hughes at 504-836-8700.