"Help Us Build NOLA's NIRAC Community Training Center"

We are NOLA’s NIRAC (NOLA’s Intervention & Reformation Center, Inc.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of unemployment and recidivism in New Orleans. Through vocational training, mentorship, and life skills programs, we empower individuals—particularly those who have faced significant barriers—to build successful futures. Now, we need your help to take our work to the next level.

We are on a mission to secure a permanent, 20,000-25,000 sq ft training facility in New Orleans that will allow us to scale our programs, serve more participants, and create lasting impact in the community. This facility will be a hub where individuals can learn trade skills, receive mentorship, and access the resources they need to build successful careers in the construction industry and beyond.

Why We Need Your Help Now:

To make this vision a reality, we need to raise $1.5 million to $3 million in total. But today, we’re asking for your help to get started with $250,000 - $500,000, which will cover the most immediate and critical needs:

Building Acquisition Costs: Securing a down payment on an existing building.

Initial Renovations: Transforming the space into functional workshops, classrooms, and community areas.

Essential Equipment: Purchasing tools and technology to support hands-on training in construction trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.

Safety and Compliance: Ensuring the building meets safety standards and is equipped with the necessary facilities for our participants and staff.

Certifications and Bonding Needed for Participants:

Our programs prepare individuals to become licensed professionals, giving them the skills and certifications necessary to excel in the construction industry. Graduates of NOLA’s NIRAC will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, including:

OSHA Certification: Required for safety compliance on most job sites.

Residential Contractor's License: Essential for anyone looking to operate as a residential contractor in Louisiana.

State or National Certifications for Electricians, Plumbers, and Carpenters: To qualify for professional trade work.

Bonding Requirements: Training on the importance of being bonded, which is crucial for securing contracts in residential and commercial construction.

Receipts and Tax-Deductible Donations:

All donations to NOLA’s NIRAC are tax-deductible. Donors will automatically receive a receipt from GoFundMe, but we will also send personalized thank-you notes to show our gratitude and provide additional information about how your contribution will make a difference. Our EIN will be included for tax filing purposes.

What Your Support Will Do:

Your donation will go directly toward securing and renovating this facility, allowing us to:

Provide vocational training to over 100 individuals annually, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand fields.

Foster an "Each One Teach One" model, where program graduates return to mentor others, creating a sustainable cycle of learning and community support.

Offer industry-recognized certifications, including residential contractor licensing and bonding requirements, to make our graduates competitive in the job market.

Create a space where participants can rebuild their lives, restore their dignity, and contribute to the rebuilding of our communities.

How You Can Help:

We believe in the power of community. Every dollar counts, and no donation is too small. Your contribution will help us secure this facility and open the doors to opportunity. You can also support us by sharing our campaign with your friends, family, and networks.

Together, we can change lives, uplift communities, and create lasting change for individuals who deserve a second chance.

About NOLA’s NIRAC:

Our organization provides comprehensive training in the construction trades, focusing on individuals who have faced significant challenges, including incarceration. We are committed to offering not just skills, but opportunities for sustainable employment and entrepreneurship, ultimately empowering individuals to contribute to their families and communities.

Donation Tiers (Optional):

$50: Helps fund materials for one training session.

$100: Covers safety equipment for one participant.

$500: Funds tools and equipment for one graduate to start their career.

$1,000: Supports the renovation of one classroom or workshop space.

$5,000+: Helps secure a significant portion of the building’s down payment.

Thank you for believing in the power of second chances. Together, we will create a space where individuals can restore their futures and make a lasting impact on New Orleans and the Westbank. Your generosity will change lives.