Volunteers of southeast louisiana will operate mentoring children of promise in the greater new orleans, louisiana area

The Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) awarded a $400,000 Juvenile Mentoring Program (CFDA 16.726) grant to Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, Inc. The grant will fund the organization's "Mentoring Children of Promise" program, which provides one-on-one, group, and peer mentoring services to at-risk and high-risk youth in the greater New Orleans area. The program aims to improve outcomes for children with incarcerated parents by building protective factors, enhancing social-emotional skills, improving academic performance, and reducing negative behavioral outcomes. Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana will operate the program for three years, from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027, expanding its focus on families impacted by parental incarceration and increasing the number of children served.

In louisiana, incarceration is most prevalent in the new orleans area and impacts communities that are historically underserved, adversely affected by inequality, and disproportionately impacted by crime. Volunteers of southeast louisiana will address the need for meaningful partnerships for children and families with an incarcerated parent. Operating for over 20 years, volunteers of southeast louisiana will expand its focus specifically to families experiencing parental incarceration and increase the number of children with an incarcerated parent served. All mentors commit to at least two hours per week with each child. As part of this project expansion, the grantee intends to offer more group events, including specific soft skills, relational, or other educational opportunities.