The energy of the Super Bowl put a spotlight on what we’ve always known; Southeast Louisiana is unlike anywhere else. Our people, culture and resilience make this region special. When our community comes together — whether for football, festivals or facing challenges — we show the world just how united we are.
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, when tragedy struck Bourbon Street, what should have been a night of celebration turned into a moment of unimaginable loss.
But when the worst happened, the best of us responded.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana mobilized our boots-on-the-ground response immediately, partnering with the Red Cross of America, New Orleans Family Justice Center, 504HealthNet, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and others to provide financial assistance, legal aid and counseling and critical resources to more than 700 victims’ families, survivors and hospitality workers.
That moment proved what’s possible when we rally together, but unity shouldn’t only happen in response to crisis.
What if we took that same energy and used it to build something lasting?
At United Way, we believe that’s exactly what we need to do. And we have a plan, a Blueprint for Prosperity, built for the community, with the community. A thriving workforce, stable families and thriving businesses all depend on a foundation of health, education, financial security and resilience.
When people are healthy, our region thrives.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life, so we’re helping people overcome barriers to good health by improving access to nutritious food and quality health education and services, including preventative care and child health. Through crisis response and initiatives like the New Orleans Mental Health Collaborative, we’re working to expand mental health resources and ensure more people get the support they need to be well.
When young people succeed, our region thrives.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We’re advancing what works, from early childhood education advocacy and literacy development to college and career readiness and enrichment programs like InspiredUp, helping young people gain the skills they need to fill high-demand jobs, grow our economy and keep talent in Louisiana.
When people have the tools to build wealth, our region thrives.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a living that can sustain a family and build security for future generations. Our prosperity centers are offering an array of free financial capability programs to help families build long-term financial security. Programs like RISE (Reaching Investment Success for Everyone) and the Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative are closing wage gaps and increasing economic mobility.
When our communities are resilient, our region thrives.
We believe every community deserves the opportunity to prosper. We’re working with our neighbors to build resilient communities that are ready for any challenge. From disaster response to preparedness initiatives like our partnership with Verizon to install real-time flood sensors, we’re helping businesses and families prepare and recover.
This is what United Way does. It’s what we’ve done for 100 years. We bring people together to drive real, lasting change. Change that makes families stronger, businesses more prosperous and our entire economy grow.
But we can’t do it alone.
Anyone who wants to do good in their community has a role to play with United Way. You can join this work as a corporate partner, advocate for policies that strengthen our communities and encourage your employees to get involved as volunteers.
Because when people and business step up, momentum turns into movement.
Now is the time to build something bigger than ourselves. United is the way we build a better future for Southeast Louisiana.
Michael Williamson is president and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana. He is responsible for leading philanthropic and impact efforts to build stronger, more equitable communities in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. He may be reached via email at MichaelW@UnitedWaySELA.org
