Funding will support youth services via the NOLA Coalition,
as well as charitable organizations in surrounding communities
NEW ORLEANS — The T. Parker Host group of companies and its majority shareholder, Adam Anderson, announced today that they are making a $500,000 donation to support the NOLA Coalition, as well as other charitable organizations in nearby locations in which they operate. Avondale Marine, the former Avondale Shipyard, is a Host company.
$350,000 will go to support the implementation of Youth Master Plans Grants, via the NOLA Coalition Fund. $100,000 will go to support similar causes in Bridge City in Jefferson Parish, the east bank of Plaquemines Parish, and West Baton Rouge. Finally, $50,000 will go to GNO, Inc. for sustained management of the Coalition. The funding will be spread over the next three years, and brings the total amount raised to-date to approximately $3.5M, including $2.4M of the first-year goal of $5.0M.
“Host has a long standing, and growing presence, in the region, said Adam Anderson, Chairman and CEO of T. Parker Host. “Having moved my family from Virginia to New Orleans, we are committed to investing not only in this region’s infrastructure, but its people as well. We hope by making this a public announcement it will encourage other companies to take action.”
With over 300 employees and 50 additional positions being actively recruited in the state, Host’s Louisiana operations span from Baton Rouge to Plaquemines Parish and include the redevelopment of the former Avondale Shipyard, which it acquired in 2018.
“T. Parker Host stepped in to revitalize Avondale Shipyard, said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “Now, Host is stepping up to revitalize our community, with this extraordinary financial gift to deserving local nonprofits. We are grateful to Host, Avondale, and their leader, Adam Anderson.”
Distribution of the $350,000 will be administered by United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA). $75,000 will go to a new Mental and Behavioral Health Collaborative, with the remainder awarded to eligible non-profit organizations through a competitive RFP process which opened yesterday, September 7. Cycle 1 grant funds prioritize nonprofit organizations serving youth of color from birth to 24 years old living at or below the ALICE Threshold, and/or organizations with operating budgets below $500,000. Nonprofits can apply for funds at UnitedWaySELA.org/YMPgrants.
“Our youth hold the future in their hands. They are not the problem but our future,” said Dr. Takeisha Davis, UWSELA Board of Trustees Chair. “If we are going to transform Louisiana’s communities to thriving, equitable places where ALL individuals are healthy, educated and economically stable, it will take bold initiatives like the NOLA Coalition, and United Way is grateful T. Parker Host is making this significant investment in our youth.”
Founded in 1923, T. Parker Host is a total solutions provider for the maritime industry, specializing in agency services, terminal operations, stevedoring and marine assets. In 2018, HOST acquired the former Avondale Shipyard, located at mile 108 of the Mississippi River and, shortly thereafter, acquired United Bulk Terminals in Plaquemines Parish. Adam Anderson is the majority shareholder of T. Parker Host, and is a recognized national leader in the maritime industry. Anderson relocated his family from Virginia New Orleans in 2019.
"New Orleans is a city with approximately 112,000 young people, birth to 24 years of age, which represents 25% of the city's population," said Karen Evans, Executive Director of New Orleans Children & Youth Planning Board (CYPB). "The Youth Master Plan (YMP), a 10-year plan for improving the lives of children and youth of New Orleans, will leverage coordination and processes to generate investments needed for full implementation. In order for the YMP to impact the lives of the city's youth, it will require new and expanded approaches to investments. The T. Parker Host group of companies now adds to the investments needed to go forward. They are now part of our collective solutions supporting positive youth development for all youth across Orleans Parish, and we are grateful!"
Inspired by other recent charitable commitments, Host wants to be a frontrunner in a trend in the maritime and industrial sectors to improve the quality of life for its employees in their communities, and the NOLA Coalition provides a platform to improve everyone’s quality of life in the region.
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About T. Parker Host and Avondale Marine
T. Parker Host is a total solutions provider for the maritime industry, specializing in agency services, terminal operations, stevedoring and marine assets. Founded in 1923 and guided by its Core Principles, the company has developed a strong reputation in the maritime community for its expertise, transparency and high standards of service. The entire HOST team focuses on customer needs while adding value to every operation. In 2018, HOST acquired the former Avondale Shipyard located at mile 108 of the Mississippi River. Learn more at www.tparkerhost.com.
About The NOLA Coalition
The NOLA Coalition is a collection of local nonprofits, civic organizations and businesses with an acute interest in helping to address crime and quality of life, for reasons of both life and livelihood. The organizations in The NOLA Coalition are small and large, with diverse membership, from across the city and region. An updated list of recommendations and coalition members can be found at nolacoalition.info.
About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.