10 Orleans Parish nonprofits selected for third year of
RESOLVE NOLA Community Impact Grants
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana, on behalf of the New Orleans Mental Health Collaborative, announced Wednesday the recipients of the third round of RESOLVE NOLA Impact Grants. The collaborative created the grants to expand access to mental health services, addiction prevention programs and trauma-informed support for young people and families affected by community violence and collective trauma in New Orleans.
“Real progress happens when communities come together around a shared purpose,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President and CEO. “These grants are helping trusted organizations reach young people and families with the support they need, when and where they need it most. We’re grateful to former Councilmember Joe Giarrusso for his leadership in establishing the New Orleans Mental Health Collaborative, to Dr. Rochelle Head-Dunham for helping guide this work, and to every partner committed to building a stronger, healthier future for our community.”
Giarrusso launched the New Orleans Mental Health Collaborative in September 2022 to bring together healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and businesses to strengthen mental health resources across the city. The collaborative oversees RESOLVE NOLA and works to identify opportunities to improve access to care for children, youth and families.
Through the 2026-2027 RESOLVE NOLA Community Impact Grants, the collaborative and United Way are awarding a total of $100,000 to 10 Orleans Parish nonprofit organizations that are providing mental health services, addiction prevention programs and trauma-informed support.
Grant recipients include:
- Youth Initiative
- Puentes New Orleans
- Hope Ignites
- Excite All Stars
- Glam U 101, Inc.
- Phoenix Communities of New Orleans
- Saul’s Light
- WeHelp, Inc.
- Coalition of Mental Health Professionals for Accessible Support (COMPAS)
- Renewed Minds Counseling & Wellness Solutions
Recipients were selected through a competitive review process designed to ensure funding reaches organizations with strong community impact. Applications were evaluated based on organizational experience serving youth, program design, delivery methods, long-term sustainability and measurable outcomes.
Mental health affects every aspect of a young person’s well-being, from success in school to relationships and long-term health. For families in ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, finding affordable, quality mental health services can be especially difficult. In Southeast Louisiana, nearly half of all households are living below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they earn too much to qualify for many forms of assistance but still struggle to afford the basics. These grants help trusted community organizations connect more children, youth and families with the support they need to thrive.
“Hope Ignites New Orleans is dedicated to helping young people thrive academically, emotionally, and socially through comprehensive support and opportunities for success. RESOLVE’s investment allows us to expand critical mental health and wellness services through the Hope Ignites Academy, ensuring more youth and families have access to resources that foster resilience, healing, and long-term achievement,” said Dr. Kim Rugon, executive director of Hope Ignites New Orleans. “We are honored to partner with RESOLVE in building stronger futures for our community.”
Since its launch, the initiative has invested $500,000 in community organizations through three rounds of grants, supporting 39 local nonprofits working to improve youth mental health across Orleans Parish. The initiative has also trained more than 3,100 community members, including more than 2,100 mental health professionals and youth-serving staff, in trauma-informed practices; reached more than 115,000 residents through public awareness campaigns, school-based programming and community events; and provided direct behavioral health services to more than 400 young people and families at elevated risk.
To learn more about RESOLVE, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org/ResolveGrants or contact us at EboneeA@UnitedWaySELA.org.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For over 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
