NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter welcomes Camilla Hill as the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager and Sarah Podesta as the Children’s Program Coordinator.
As a mother of three with over 20 years of experience as a case manager, Hill joined the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter staff in January of 2018. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a job coach with the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater New Orleans and as a job readiness facilitator with Catholic Charities. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hill joined the Katrina Aid Today program and assisted those affected with housing, mental and personal needs. She then joined the Volunteers of America team and assisted those recovering from substance abuse to maintain the skills needed to sustain housing and employment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business.
“Camilla’s optimistic attitude and enthusiasm to help others makes her a wonderful addition to our Shelter’s family,” said Dawn Bradley-Fletcher, executive director of the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter. “With her experience, passion and heart, I am confident she is going to be a huge asset to finding housing for the homeless families that we serve.”
Because two-thirds of the residents are children, the Shelter has implemented a comprehensive children’s case management program and after-school education and enrichment program to satisfy the needs of each child. As the new Children’s Program Coordinator, Podesta is already busy with planning and implementing a summer program for the children at the Shelter. Podesta came to New Orleans from Memphis, TN to attend Tulane University. Having worked with kids since her high school years as an overnight camp counselor, Podesta holds a special place in her heart for children. Sarah started out as a volunteer at the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter and began working full time in May of 2018.
“We are thrilled to have Sarah on our staff. She started off as a wonderful volunteer and always showed innovation, passion and compassion for the children that we serve,” said Dawn Bradley-Fletcher. “We have more children at our Shelter than adults so it is important to have someone in place to implement our programs, which I am confident that Sarah will do a great job with.”
The New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter is the largest shelter for homeless women and children in New Orleans, with a mission to transition homeless families to sustainable and independent living. Since its inception in 2007, the Shelter has helped more than 2,000 homeless families transition from living on the street to safe, affordable housing. An average of 80% of the families served by the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter transition to independence and stability.
To help homeless women and children in New Orleans or for more information about the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter, visit www.nowcs.org or find the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NOWCShelter).
