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UNITED WAY OF
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100 years ago, a small group came together with the big idea that sparked your United Way: communities get more done when we work as one.  

Today, United Way of Southeast Louisiana carries that vision forward, creating pathways to better health, education, and job opportunities for all. We connected over three hundred thousand people to resources and opportunities this past year alone.  

We’re inviting you to take action because United is the Way to a better tomorrow. It’s the way we support our neighbors facing challenges today. It’s the way we create lasting change for every person, everywhere. 

You are Building a Brighter Future in Our Community

A Second Chance for Jenna and Her Three Boys

“United Way changed my life’s direction. Your support matters.” 

When Jenna fled an abusive relationship, she and her three boys arrived at a domestic violence shelter with nothing but a backpack of clothes and $50. Every day was filled with uncertainty and fear as Jenna struggled to rebuild their lives. 

Through United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Prosperity Center programs – the Individual Development Account (IDA) Project and Families Moving Forward – Jenna found the support she needed to change her family’s future. With matched savings, financial education, and resources, Jenna tackled her debt, secured stable housing, and gave her boys the stability they deserved. 

Today, Jenna’s family is thriving with opportunities for a brighter future. United Way of Southeast Louisiana is here for families like Jenna’s every day – all thanks to donors like you. With your help, we can ensure more families receive the tools and resources they need to reimagine brighter futures for themselves. 

Building a Thriving Business with Nicole

“I am bringing a healthier lifestyle to my clients and building a robust, growing business because United Way and donors like you believed in me.” 

When Nicole wanted to grow her small business, she knew she needed guidance and support. As a licensed massage therapist and reflexologist, she had the passion and skill but needed tools to take her business to the next level. Through United Way’s Thriving African-American Small Business (TAASB) Initiative, Nicole found her path forward. 

She received financial training, mentorship, and a $10,000 matching grant. TAASB taught her how to budget, manage time, and create a strong business plan. In just one year, Nicole increased her revenue by 15%, hired a part-time staff member, and expanded her services. 

Today, Nicole is achieving her goals and helping more clients live healthier lives – thanks to you. Programs like TAASB empower small-business owners like Nicole to build a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Your gift helps business owners like Nicole turn their dreams into reality. 

Carolina is Home for the Holidays

“United Way made me a proud, first-time homeowner through a matched savings program. Your donations matter.” 

When Carolina decided to purchase her first home, she knew it would take hard work and commitment. As a full-time hospital employee, her free time was limited, but she determined to create a better future for her family. 

Through United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Individual Development Account (IDA) Project, Carolina gained access to first-time homebuyer trainings, financial literacy workshops, and matched savings. These resources taught her invaluable skills about homeownership and managing personal finances, transforming her approach to saving and planning for the future. 

With the funds she saved and the matched contributions from United Way, Carolina proudly became a first-time homeowner. Today, with the keys to her new home in hand, she is building a secure and stable future for her family – all thanks to donors like you. 

Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: Kelson’s Dream

“United Way is helping me – a young entrepreneur – achieve my dreams. Thanks to donors like you.” 

Kelson always knew he wanted to own a business, but as a high school senior, he didn’t know where to start. Inspired by his passion, he joined United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s InspiredUp program, hoping to turn his dream into a reality. 

Through mentorship, leadership training, and a $7,500 incentive, Kelson gained the tools, guidance, and capital to pursue his goal of launching a real estate business. With every lesson and every step, he grew more confident in his ability to succeed. 

Today, Kelson is on track to become a successful entrepreneur, fulfilling his lifelong dream. The InspiredUp program gives young people like Kelson the skills and encouragement they need to reach their full potential. And it’s all possible because of donors like you. Your gift ensures more students like Kelson receive the mentorship and resources they need to succeed. 

Helena Moreno

Campaign Email:  letsgo@helenamorenola.com
Contact Phone Number:  (504) 655-2878


Campaign Website and Social Media Handles
www.helenamorenola.com
@HelenamorenoHQ  |  @helenamorenola

Commitment: If elected, would you dedicate additional funding in the City budget for early care and education?

Yes.

If so, how would you prioritize it in the budget?

Both in the state legislature and city council, I’ve been a strong supporter of bringing early childhood education to New Orleans. In 2018, we allocated the first $1.5M in city funds for additional seats. As Council President, we doubled that to $3M. I was the lead author to put the pre-k millage on the ballot, providing millions more. I will continue this work as mayor. As for additional funding for pre-k, is there anything more important? We have demonstrated to the public that local government can make progress on this issue with increased resources. There are competing priorities, especially when it comes to drainage, but our kids desperately need pre-k, and so do our parents, who are under pressure to be both caregiver and financial provider.

Commitment:  If elected, will you use your power and platform to advocate at the state and federal levels for sustained early childhood funding? If yes, please describe the specific actions you will take to do this.

Yes.

Every leader at the local, state, and federal levels should be working together to provide high-quality early childhood education to our young people. I will always shout from the rooftops about the enormous benefits of Head Start and pre-k, along with Medicaid, SNAP, public housing, and kids’ programming on PBS. As mayor, I will lead a broad intergovernmental relations effort with constant coordination between city leadership, the legislative delegation, and advocates. I don’t think anyone is listening, for now, but that can change. More broadly, this is why the mayoral election is so important. New Orleans needs to stand on its own two feet. No one is coming to rescue us, so we must be strong in the face of unprecedented economic, environmental, and political headwinds.

Commitment: If elected, will you commit to ensuring our early care and education providers can keep their doors open, grow their business, pay a living wage to their teachers, and help ensure families and educators can continue to afford to live in the city? If yes, please describe the specific actions you will take to do this.

Yes.

Child care providers will have a strong supporter in the mayor’s office when I am elected. Our city hall will serve as a hub, connecting needs and resources, with a focus on streamlining red tape for critical service providers, such as those offering child care. It is not enough to have more early childhood seats; we need quality. Even at current levels of local and state funding, pre-K early education programs exist in an environment where low wages are the norm and facilities are often in disrepair. The current climate at the state and federal levels may preclude additional funds. Yet, at the local level, as I mentioned earlier, is there anything more important than pre-k? We have demonstrated to the public that local government can make progress on this issue with increased resources.

Commitment: If elected, would you commit to ensuring essential local workers – including those in city government – can access childcare through local providers, and that private sector employers do their part in ensuring their employees can access the childcare they need to work, be productive, and grow our economy? If yes, please elaborate on how you would fulfill this commitment.

Yes.

I will always advocate amongst employers and at the state level for a real-living wage that can provide for a family. In workplaces across New Orleans and at city hall, I see parents working double time, struggling to keep up due to a lack of child care. Part of the answer is more public school seats for children aged 6 months to 4 years old. For older kids, I want NORD to do more. A lot more. I have been a leader in expanding NORD’s budget to record highs. Now the goal is to maximize services during non-school hours. Summer enrichment is especially crucial to prevent any backslide. In short, I want to usher in a NORD Renaissance, especially after school. This would go a long way, especially for working parents who need a few more critical hours of support before they can leave work.

Commitment: If elected, will you commit to maintaining this office and protecting these investments?

Yes.

How will you ensure these efforts are sustained beyond your term and are prioritized in future budgets?

Yes. I helped lead the effort for early childhood education with Agenda for Children, and I will commit to maintaining and protecting these early childhood investments. They were hard won, and we cannot lose them. If anything, we need an expansion, which will be the key subject of future budgets, which must balance ALL the city’s needs. The bottom line: we must support families, or else they will simply leave, and New Orleans will not have a future.