Youth Empowerment Project

Melissa Sawyer, Founder and CEO

Thanks to member George Messina for catering this week’s networking event at Rooftop on Basin with guest speaker Melissa Sawyer, CEO of the Youth Empowerment Project, (YEP). YEP recently celebrated 20 years and has grown significantly in scope, size and impact. Today, YEP is nationally recognized for its innovative, high-quality programs, and is the largest and most comprehensive organization in Greater New Orleans that supports young people who live in chronic poverty, have experienced trauma or are out of school or work. YEP engages more than 800 young people each year through four pillars of programming – YEP Works, YEP Educates, YEP Enriches and YEP Mentors. In 2022 YEP also launched a program to help the growing Hispanic population learn English as a second language. 

Located on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, YEP has a food pantry and thrift store run by one of their own. Donations such as clothes, home accessories, toys, books, etc. are accepted at their 1626B Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, Monday – Friday.

For more information on YEP visit their website at https://www.youthempowermentproject.org/contact.

Visit the archives to view her presentation.

M. Sawyer bio

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Andrew Legrand, Spera Law Group, thanked Jason Hernandez, Crescent Title for his assistance with the succession of a property. He thanked Bobby Ramsey, Ramsey’s Jewelers for the excellent repair on an heirloom ring.

Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialist announced his new grandson.

Bobby Ramsey, Ramsey Jewelers thanked George Messina, Messina’s Catering for the service provided at a recent celebration.

Alison Barrios, Barrios Real Estate Group, thanked all for the opportunity to serve as president. She reminded all to RSVP for the 12/14/23 Christmas Party being held at Catherine Shreves home.

George Rojas, Scheuring Security Services, announced his retirement from GNOEA.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • December 14th – Christmas party hosted by Catherine Shreves

Check website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Chad Perrier cperrier@udi.com.