Office of Youth and Families

On May 25, 2018, Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed an executive order establishing the new Office of Youth and Families (OYF) to drive strategic systems-level improvements for New Orleans young people and families.

Recognizing no single agency can tackle complex societal challenges alone, OYF was chartered to provide oversight and coordination between vital public services supporting our youth. This includes partnering closely with institutions like:

  • New Orleans Recreation Department Commission (NORDC)
  • New Orleans Public Library (NOPL)
  • New Orleans Public Schools

 

Mission

The Office of Youth and Families works to improve child well-being by increasing coordination between agencies, expanding resources, ensuring equitable policymaking, engaging youth and community input.

Vision

We envision a New Orleans where all children and families thrive.

Values

  • Opportunity 
  • Equity 
  • Voice  
  • Access 
  • Action 

Office Of Youth And Families

(504) 658-7806 Email Office Of Youth And Families
1300 Perdido Street 4W09 New Orleans, LA 70112

Get email updates

Follow on

Programs & Initiatives
Mayor's Youth Advisory Council

OYF and Neighborhood Engagement Office are pleased to announce an exciting development. Starting Fall 2023, the Junior Civic Leadership Academy (JCLA) will take place through the first three sessions of each term of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC). This program engages young people in policy-making and providing a platform for youth voice in government.  

Learn more

Programs & Initiatives
Parent Leadership Training Institute

The Office of Youth and Families is proud to partner with the National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) to bring the Parent Leadership Training Institute to the City of New Orleans.

Learn more

Programs & Initiatives
Pathways Youth Internship Program

In partnership with the Gracefully Mindful Wellness Institute, Pathways is a year-round workforce readiness and personal development program for 14-17 year old system-involved youth that seeks to mitigate youth poverty, unemployment, and recidivism by providing them with paid work internships, workshops focused on conflict resolution, mindfulness, and soft skills development.

Learn more

Programs & Initiatives
Summer Connects

The Summer Success Initiative seeks to increase financial stability, employment access, and positive social support over the summer for system involved youth by assisting them with the enrollment processes at NORDC and the Mayor's Summer Employment Youth Program. Youth are provided with case management and transportation support if needed. 

Learn more

Programs & Initiatives
Mayor for a Day Essay Contest

The “Mayor for a Day” program aims to foster and encourage leadership in young people living in New Orleans.  New Orleans youth ages 11 to 18 are invited to write essays about what New Orleans would be like if they were Mayor for a day.

Learn more

Youth and Families
Topics

Youth and Families
Latest News

City of New Orleans fleur de lis logo

September 6, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Launch of Opportunity Pass Program Offering Free Transit for Youth Ages 16-24

Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Asya Howlette, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families, Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Emily Painton, Executive Director and City Librarian of the New Orleans Public Library, Fred Neal Jr., Board of Commissioners for RTA, Courtney Jackson, Executive Director of RIDE New Orleans, Morgan Shannon, Executive Director of the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board, and Bela, RIDE New Orleans Youth Ambassador, to announce the launch of the Opportunity Pass Program.

City of New Orleans fleur de lis logo

September 3, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Guaranteed Income Program for Youth Shows Increased Employment, Improved Financial Well-being and Lower Housing Cost Burden

Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families (OYF) and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income today announced the release of independent data on the New Orleans Guaranteed Income Program, showcasing higher employment rates, improved financial well-being and better housing security.  

City of New Orleans fleur de lis logo

August 26, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Project Winners

Mayor LaToya Cantrell yesterday was joined by Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families (OYF) Director Asya Howlette, Office of Resilience & Sustainability (ORS) Deputy Chief Resilience Officer Greg Nichols, Greater New Orleans Foundation, community organizations and youth project leaders to announce the nine winning projects that will receive funding from the Youth Climate Action Fund, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.  

City of New Orleans fleur de lis logo

August 1, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces JCLA and MYAC Applications Now Open

The City of New Orleans Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office, in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Youth and Families, today announced that applications for the Junior Civic Leadership Academy (JCLA) and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) are now open. 

City of New Orleans fleur de lis logo

June 6, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

The Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families, Children’s Youth and Planning Board and New Orleans Youth Alliance Enter Phase III of Youth Master Plan

The Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families (OYF), the Children’s Youth and Planning Board (CYPB) and the New Orleans Youth Alliance (NOYA) are proud to announce the commencement of Phase III in the creation and implementation of theYouth Master Plan. This strategic blueprint aims to cultivate a youth-centered New Orleans by directing citywide stakeholders and resources towards addressing critical issues, meeting defined goals and enhancing the lives of the city's youth and families. 

City of New Orleans fleur de lis logo

June 5, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Celebrates the Opening of NORD Pools for the Summer on Splash Day

 Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission CEO Larry Barabino, Jr., NORD Commission Chairman Theo C. Sanders III, Director of the Office of Workforce Development Sunae Villavaso, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families (OYF) Asya Howlette and District C Councilmember and NORD Commission Member Freddie King III to celebrate “Splash Day,” which officially marks the opening of NORD pools and other summer recreational activities.  

View all news