NEW ORLEANS – Today, The Rusovich Foundation announced a direct $100,000 donation to the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), as part of The NOLA Coalition’s pledge to raise five million per year for youth services, over three years, for a total of fifteen million invested in high-impact New Orleans nonprofits. This generous support is in response to the Coalition’s pledge to invest in positive generational change for young people in New Orleans.
“We are pleased to provide the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) with this contribution,” said Greg and Suzanne Rusovich. “They are one of the premier organizations working with kids from 7-25 in neighborhoods throughout our community. They support and empower these kids to reach their potential and realize their dreams. And this comes at a perfect time as YEP is expanding their program to New Orleans East. We were inspired by the recent call to action put out by the NOLA Coalition and encourage others to join us in this call to action for our future – our children.”
The funds were provided directly to YEP, and will immediately be used to support the organization’s activities and services in the local community. Additional contributions to youth services providers are welcome, and updates can be shared with The NOLA Coalition to ensure they are recorded as part of the $15 million goal.
“Greg and Suzanne Rusovich are longstanding supporters of Youth Empowerment Project (YEP),” said Melissa Sawyer, Co-Founder & CEO, Youth Empowerment Project. “Because of their recent, generous donation to YEP made in response to the NOLA Coalition’s commitment to raising an additional $15M over the next three years for impactful youth-serving organizations, YEP will be able to expand our comprehensive services and reach more young people this year. We are beyond grateful for the Rusovich’s investment in YEP and the youth of New Orleans.”
YEP engages young people through community-based education, mentoring, employment readiness, and enrichment programming to help people aged 7-24 develop skills and strengthen ties to family and community. Their work prepares young residents of New Orleans for rewarding careers, enriched adulthood, and continuing education.
“Thanks to this investment from the Rusovich Foundation, The NOLA Coalition is now well on its way towards its three-year goal of fifteen million for youth support services,” said Michael Hecht of GNO, Inc. “New Orleans is truly lucky to have so many individuals and corporations willing to invest in the future.”
To-date, nearly $1.2M of the first $5M for youth services has been raised. Local, as well as national, sources are in discussion for further investment to help scale critical services in New Orleans to drive generational change.