Heal the Block is a community initiative bridging the gaps of access by bringing community resources and services to a central location in high need neighborhoods. At the top of this year Heal the Block expanded, beginning 90 days prior with environmental scans, canvassing, and community meetings in order to hear directly from residents and […]
School is out! But now what… Though summer is an exciting time, it can be stressful too. So we want to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your summer. Here are the many services, resources, and programs to help make your summer less stressful and just a little more fun! As our […]
Last year marked the second year of INSTEAD’s programming, offering community-based diversion from the legal system for people arrested due unmet mental health needs. In Year 2, INSTEAD received 240 referrals, enrolled 86 participants, and celebrated the 100th participant enrolled in November. Among our participants 81% completed their programming and 76% engaged in services even […]
Read More… from A Measured Growth: INSTEAD 2025 Annual Report
by Tallulah Chavira In the mid-1800s, many free people of color began living in the Seventh Ward, establishing a long history of Black life in this neighborhood. From the mid-19th century, family-owned businesses flourished in this neighborhood accompanying Claiborne Avenue’s vibrant black residential and business life. The dismantling of this success began with the construction […]
Participants enter INSTEAD facing an array of social and health challenges, including mental health conditions, substance use disorders, unstable housing, and inadequate social support. Through intensive case management, they leave the program connected to community resources and support needed to address thesechallenges and avoid re-arrest. This report provides a comprehensive benefit-cost evaluation of the Integrated […]
The Summer Academic and Cultural Enrichment Program (SACE), started in 2024, is a nine week program giving young boys, ages 15 to 20 years old, the opportunity to learn about their history and expand their view of their future with career and education exploration. Sponsored by the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, the program embeds […]
Read More… from It Starts with Opportunity: A Look into our Youth Summer Program
