
About Us
The Coalition for Community Connection is an intergenerational cooperative of community leaders – educators, artists, entrepreneurs, public servants, faith leaders, and youth – creating holistic, human-centric solutions to issues of violence, food insecurity, and displacement in New Orleans’ underserved neighborhoods. We believe in the power of ‘right relationships’ between community members, to the environment, and within oneself to repair what decades of trauma and disenfranchisement have broken. N.O.U.R.I.S.H. combines elements of restorative justice, the healing power of nature, cooperative economics, and an emphasis on trauma-informed approaches within mental health to reweave the social safety net that stands between neighbors in need and preventable catalysts for crime.

City Council Presentation

Video Testimonials
Norman Robinson
Jonathan Stewart
Pamela Arnette Broom
Kristen Ward
Oscar Brown
Brideisha Harness-Parker
Kala
Shani Peters
Joseph Cuillier
Stefin Pasternak
Emily Eckland
Kali Adriana Serna
Stuart Auld
Madeleine Dixon
Amelia Labeaud
Nathaniel
Casey Miller
Erica Badowski
Reese Johanson
Emily Mickley-Doyle
Marguerite Green
Jeff Supak
Anika Ofori
Philippe Paul
Daiquiri Jones
Madeline Gaudet
Andrea Nasca
Jill deRosas
Jocelyne Ninneman
Erin Mutter
Breanna Thompson
Sandra Morrison
Jamie
Kayti Chung-Williams
Jaida Declouette
Jennifer M. Williams
Rachael
Renard Bridgewater
Susan Beck
Brooke Pickett
Francinia M Henry
The goal of a productive community food system in our city is possible and a much needed resource in our area. This is especially true with the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our community.
We continue to pursue the goal of supporting our neighborhoods through community gardening. Food banks have been overwhelmed by the demand for food in the community.
Gardening can lead to a healthier, more productive lifestyle. It also promotes a more vibrant community allowing kids to grow to be respectful of and responsible for their community and allows adults to directly take part in improving neighborhoods. This model would serve as an appropriate use of any funds diverted from the NOPD. "
Dale LaFrance
Charlotte
Robert Brooks
Ashraf Esmail
Lynne Serpe
Compost NOW focuses on keeping local resources local, turning trash to treasure and empowering residents to take collective action.
We see the NOURISH model as a positive way forward, especially for those communities in the East and the 9th Ward who have been under-served and under-resourced for too long. "
Stefin Pasternak
Currin S Wallis
Gaines Owen
Jordan Nave
Jasmine Beard
Luke Zell
Carrie Craven
Similar models (Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center, for example) have been effective, but inequitable and inconsistent funding has limited the implementation of these models at scales that would deeply benefit our communities.
Our children deserve this!"
Jordan Koppens
I believe the NOPD should reallocate funds in commitment to the safely and wellbeing of all residents. There is a deep need to reduce harm, ensure food security, address mental health needs, provide mediation, grief and crisis support, and endure adequate resources for the betterment of our communities.
Moving forward as a city we cannot wait on addressing these issues and creating an action plan. Coalition for Community Connection provides this. Creating a more encompassing partnership with the community members and this organization will fulfill the role to serve and protect New Orleans residents.