New Orleans, Louisiana

Located on the roaring Mississippi, New Orleans is a historical and cultural gem of the United States. Long traditions like Mardi Gras, jazz, Cajun cuisine, oak trees and exquisite architecture make The Big Easy the unique and beloved city known today. Staying true to local motto, laisse les bon temps rouler, let the good times roll, New Orleanians celebrate life's gifts with parades, festivals and secondlines. Six years after Hurricane Katrina, NDMVA New Orleans is serving in schools to empower our youth through knowledge and in non-profits to rebuild homes for homeowners still displaced from the storm.

Site Director: Jessica McKeown
Phone: 504-450-4069
E-mail: neworleans@ndmva.org

Langston Hughes Academy

Langston Hughes Academy Charter is one of many New Orleans Charter schools to be developed since Hurricane Katrina. Founded in 2007, LHAC is an elementary and middle school focused on empowering and preparing each student to attend high school and college. Three NDMVA members are paired with lead kindergarten teachers. These members work along side this teacher to support an individual class for the service year.

For more information, visit www.langstonhughesacademy.org

KIPP Believe College Prep

In the wave of education reform, KIPP: Believe is one of nine KIPP charter schools in New Orleans. KIPP: Believe is a middle school comprised of grades 5-8 with the goal of every student attending college. Established in 2006, this school is it's mantra; work hard, be nice. Three NDA members will lead small reading groups, provide individual academic assistance and support classroom teachers during the service term.

For more information, visit: www.kippneworleans.org

Boys Hope Girls Hope

Boys Hope Girls Hope is a residential program promoting positive home environments and quality education for youth ages 10-18. Boys and Girls live in communal homes divided by gender and each house has up to 8 boys or girls living with 4 live-in house parents. When local families apply for their their youth to participate in the BHGH program, safety, educational potential and need are considered during the application process. The one NDA member will live in the Boys House and act as a house parent, providing academic and emotional support, safely transport and monitor the activities of the boys.

For more information, visit: www.boyshopegirlshope.org/nola

Helping Hands Construction

Helping Hands Construction exists to promote change in the socio-economic order by providing affordable, high-quality construction services to low-income New Orleanians who otherwise lack the resources to repair or own their own homes. As the newest rebuilding organization in New Orleans, founded just this year in 2012, HHC is committed to repopulating and mending the New Orleans community with a small, but mighty staff. Two NDA members will learn rebuilding skills in an apprenticeship-like setting while supporting local homeowners. This is a great opportunity for people looking to gain hands-on knowledge.

United Saints Recovery Project

The United Saints Recovery Project knows that rebuilding a house not only brings a family back to their home, it also improves the quality of life for these homeowners and it's local communities. Since 2007 USRP has been rebuilding homes through out the New Orleans metropolitan area. Powered by volunteers from across the globe, USRP has completed over 100 rehabs. Four NDA members will be trained and work on homes in need of rebuilding and members will be leading teams of weekly volunteers in these manual tasks.

For more information, visit: www.unitedsaints.org