NOLAWorks

This year marks year five of life in New Orleans, post Hurricane Katrina. New Orleanians have made great strides since life in the city was disrupted five years ago. Yet Louisiana’s adult literacy rate remains nearly 20% below the national average. Poor adult literacy has a profound effect on the ability to improve life opportunities—particularly on obtaining and keeping meaningful and sustaining jobs. NOLAworks, a non profit, was created in late 2009 to address this issue head-on.

A number of public and private organizations in New Orleans are working today to improve the education level of children and young adults. But less than 5% of these organizations are committed to improving education for adults over the of age 25. NOLAworks is trying to change this imbalance—and put under- and - unemployed adults in New Orleans on track to participate in the rebuilding of the region. Here’s where we stand today, however:

· The percentage of high school graduates in New Orleans is 77.6%, versus the nation’s 84.5%.

· The percentage of families living below the poverty level in New Orleans is nearly double the national average.

· The average household income of a family in New Orleans is $39,398, versus the nation's average of $51,175.

NOLAworks’ mission is to educate unemployed and under-employed adults in New Orleans to help prepare them to compete for meaningful and sustaining jobs. These services will be 100% free to our clients.

We have begun to recruit serious, dedicated, and smart volunteers who will begin to make a difference as the year progresses. And starting on Tuesday, October 5, 2010, NOLAworks will:

· Provide a safe, free, centrally located space in New Orleans for adults who want to enhance their literacy, math, computer and job-seeking skills

· Partner with other organizations focused on adult education to collaborate, pool resources and trade referrals

· Join forces with local businesses and corporations to provide meaningful work opportunities

NOLAworks’ three long-term objectives are:

To help break the generational cycle of under-education, under-employment and unemployment in New Orleans

To contribute to the critical work of improving economic development, community well-being and prosperity in New Orleans

To partner with business owners to create a curriculum that will prepare residents to compete for good jobs in growth sectors

To this end, NOLAworks has assembled a board of directors who are dedicated to building a strong, successful, and accountable program. As president of the board and a resident of New Orleans, I meet potential students for this program on a daily basis. That’s why we cannot wait to get started.

We plan to begin our first round of classes this fall at the Gentilly Branch of the New Orleans Public Library. Initially we will offer four courses focusing on basic reading and writing, resume writing and interviewing skills, math/budgeting, and basic computer skills. Our classes will be taught by local volunteers from all walks of life.

During the initial phase, classes will be offered three days a week, including nights and weekends. Each student will be required to complete an intake session designed to assess their individual needs and goals. The goal is to tailor specific programs for each student that will maximize their chances for success. NOLAworks will also work closely alongside other programs in the city to provide the most comprehensive plan for our students.

Since we are a private organization and our services will be 100% free to the public, we count on private donations for a large part of our operating expenses. We have been fortunate to receive a great deal of local support during the first four months of our work.

Thank you for taking the time read our story. And thank you for helping the residents of New Orleans achieve their goal of meaningful, sustainable work to make the city a truly outstanding example of rebirth and renewal.

Yours truly,

Jasmyn N. Sharrock
President
jasmyn@nolaworks.com