ABOUT US
Our Reason
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Girls on the Run NOLA
Girls on the Run New Orleans (GOTR NOLA) is a public 501c3 nonprofit serving Greater New Orleans by inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a fun, experiential curriculum that creatively integrates running. GOTR NOLA provides physical activity-based positive youth development (PA-PYD) programming to enhance girls’ social, physical, and behavioral skills.
Provide much-needed funding to organizations that are making a difference in the lives of New Orleans children.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, nearly 20% of children in the state experience mental health disorders that impair their ability to function at home, in school, or in the community.
Access to mental health services is LIMITED, with many families unable to afford or locate appropriate care for their children.
Why We’re Doing It
New Orleans youth are facing unprecedented challenges. In 2024, data collected by the Align Foundation revealed that 37% of high school students struggle to cope with negative emotions, and 20% of children in Louisiana experience mental health disorders that affect their ability to function in their daily lives. Our youth are at a critical crossroads, and it’s time for us to step up as a community.
The Aligned Foundation
The Align Foundation is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of our young people through in-school programs, mentorship, and community events like this one. By creating spaces for open conversation, mentorship, and personal development, we aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate today’s challenges and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Youth Run Nola
1. Empowering Youth Through Running: Your contribution helps provide accessible, non-competitive running programs that empower youth aged 8-18 across New Orleans. By offering a free, supportive environment, Youth Run NOLA fosters the development of physical fitness, self-confidence, and goal-setting skills.
2. Promoting Mental and Physical Health: Your donation directly supports initiatives that address the long-term physical and mental health disparities in the Greater New Orleans area, particularly in underserved communities. By promoting healthy habits, YRN helps to combat systemic inequities in health and well-being.
3. Training Future Leaders: Youth Run NOLA doesn’t just focus on running; it builds future community leaders. Over 270 youth have completed half marathons, and 17 alumni have returned as paid part-time staff members, helping to lead and grow the organization’s impact.
4. Building a Supportive Community: Your support fosters a vibrant community of over 600 members and volunteers, contributing to more than 44,000 volunteer hours. This collective action helps to create a strong network of role models and peers, building a brighter, healthier future for New Orleans youth.
The Aligned Mindful Curriculum
The Aligned Foundation has created a 16-week program piloting in New Orleans schools this fall, aims to provide students with essential tools like CNS regulation, gratitude practices, and meditation. In partnership with George Washington University’s School of Public Health, we’ll gather well-being data to measure improvements in academic achievement, anxiety, depression, and self-worth.