Project Butterfly New Orleans

Our Mission & Guiding Values Project Butterfly New Orleans is an African-centered rites of passage program that provides mentoring and culturally-rooted programming to prepare girls and non-binary young people of African descent for their transition from adolescence to adulthood. Project Butterfly New Orleans is committed to: Kindness Self-Love Leadership Knowledge Friendship Integrity Service Respect for Family & Community

Project Butterfly New Orleans (PBNOLA) is an African-centered rites of passage program and non-profit organization designed to prepare girls and non-binary young people of African descent for their transition from adolescence to adulthood. The program provides our butterflies-in-training (mentees) experiences that increase their self-esteem, teach them effective decision-making skills, instill positive cultural values, connect them with positive role models, and prepare them to be responsible adults and community leaders. Project Butterfly New Orleans takes a culturally specific approach to our work since the development of a positive cultural identity is linked to increased resilience amongst African American youth. The program has served over 450 young people from high schools across New Orleans.

Testimonials

"Project Butterfly NOLA is meaningful to me because it gave me a support group and mentors and friends I could talk to. I had a chance to talk about myself and share great experiences with girls my age.It provides a space for girls to uplift themselves!"-Monique, Project Butterfly Alum

Project Butterfly NOLA is meaningful to me because I have seen a lot of growth within myself through the program. In the beginning, I was very shy and kept to myself, but now I have started to socialize more and learn more things about who I am. Other people should join PBNOLA because it is a safe space for young Black girls to feel comfortable and have support."-Lana, Project Butterfly Alum