Williamson’s Notes: Powering the Next Chapter, Together
Earlier this month, we gathered to honor our 2026 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award recipients, Lynn and Drew Marsh, and celebrate a powerful idea: Philanthropy is at its best when it does more than respond to the need in front of us. It creates possibility. Lynn and Drew embody that belief. Their leadership carries forward […]
Reflections on My Time as Chairwoman: A Journey of Empowerment, Community, and Lasting Change
Serving as Chairwoman of Women United has truly been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. During my tenure, I witnessed firsthand how the power of collaboration and the sharing of ideas can spark innovative solutions to challenges that women and children face across Southeast Louisiana. While every community has its own unique […]
Back to School Tips to Help Kids Learn, Grow and Thrive
Back to School Tips to Help Kids Learn, Grow, and Thrive A new school year brings new teachers, changing routines, and plenty of excitement. It can also take time for students and families to settle back into the rhythm of school. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach […]
Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Offs Support Mental Health in St. Tammany Parish
See the winners below! Community members from across St. Tammany Parish came together once again for the 2026 East and West St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Offs, proving that a little friendly competition can create lasting impact. Local businesses, first responders, elected officials, civic organizations, and community teams fired up their pots and shared […]
Preparing Today for a Stronger Tomorrow: How the Resiliency Center Is Building Disaster Preparedness Across Southeast Louisiana
For many people across Southeast Louisiana, the word resilience can feel more like a burden than an aspiration. It’s become shorthand for rebuilding after yet another hurricane, flood, or disaster, often without the resources or support communities deserve. We understand that frustration. At United Way, we believe resilience shouldn’t mean simply surviving hardship. It should […]
Williamson’s Notes: Happy Birthday, America
As we celebrate America’s birthday, we should all strive to do more than mark another year in our nation’s history. We celebrate an idea. An enduring belief that every person deserves the opportunity to pursue a better life, provide for their family, contribute to their community, and realize their dreams. Nearly 250 years ago, our nation’s founders articulated […]
Williamson’s Notes: Opening the Right Door
For many families in Southeast Louisiana, getting ahead is not about effort. It is about access. Imagine standing in a hallway full of doors. Behind one door is affordable childcare. Behind another is stable housing. Another leads to a better job, healthcare, transportation, food assistance, financial coaching, or emergency support. Now imagine being told that each door […]
Got Gumbo? Cook-Off Serves Up Flavor, Fun, and Friendly Competition
“Our city is built on connection, culture, and community. We’re proud to support United Way by hosting the Got Gumbo? Cook-Off, an event that not only celebrates our city’s incredible culinary talent but also brings people together to make a real difference.” David Bilbe, General Manager, Royal Sonesta New Orleans “Our Got Gumbo? Cook-Off is […]
Celebrating Black History Month
“The Centennial of Black History Month reminds us that progress requires courage and community. When we Unite to take action and expand access to opportunity, lasting change is possible.” Mary Ambrose Our team marked the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with a meaningful conversation featuring Dr. Leona Tate, a pioneer of the Civil Rights […]
Williamson’s Notes: A New Year. A Clearer Path Forward.
As we step into a new year, I find myself thinking about both where we’ve been and where we’re going. At United Way of Southeast Louisiana, we’ve spent the last year listening. Really listening. To the people we serve, our partners, and our communities across the region. What we heard was honest, urgent, and hopeful all at once. Families are working hard, doing everything […]
One year later, we remember what matters most
One year later, we remember what matters most. It has been a year since the January 1 attack on Bourbon Street, an act of violence that shook our city and left families carrying pain that cannot be measured. And as we mark this anniversary, we do so at a moment when communities across the world […]
Honoring Early Literacy Champions: Highlights from the New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Appreciation Event
United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (NOLA-CGLR) recently hosted an appreciation event to recognize the leaders and partners driving change and helping thousands of children achieve literacy success. This work is powered by generous donors and the collective action of dedicated community leaders, proof that when we work together, our […]