The Conservation Corps of Greater New Orleans (CCGNO), a project of The Corps Network (the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps), was launched in 2008 to develop a consortium of new youth development Corps in the Greater New Orleans area.

CCGNO programs take a service-learning approach to workforce development and community restoration. Our Corpsmembers play a central role in designing, proposing and implementing community service projects while learning skills that prepare them for careers in the emerging green economy. While promoting environmentally restorative practices, CCGNO programs seek to engage those young adults that have historically been disconnected from college and career opportunities.

Since our inception, we have engaged 800 young people, including court-involved youth, in building community service projects from the ground up. Our Corpsmembers specialize in green restoration skills ranging from energy auditing, weatherization, deconstruction, historical preservation and organic urban farming to toxic remediation. CCGNO is generously supported through the US Department of Labor, AmeriCorps and other local organizations.

Our Programs include:

The LA Green Corps provides green job skills training to unemployed or underemployed, low income, and/ or court involved youth aged 16-24. The LA Green Corps engages Corpsmembers in environmentally restorative service projects. Corpsmembers’ are mentored as they plan, propose, prepare and execute daily service projects. Corpsmembers have the opportunity to work at one of the following LA Green Corps project sites:

The Arc of Greater New Orleans

Created by concerned parents in 1953, the Arc of GNO is a United Way partner agency that provides services to people affected by intellectual disabilities and their families. The Arc of GNO is committed to securing for all people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop, function, and live to their fullest potential.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy

For twenty-two years the Alliance has advocated for the rate-payers of Louisiana, focusing on affordability and environmental integrity. Post-Katrina, the Alliance has held several stakeholder meetings and developed an extensive program for not only educating residents and builders in safe, affordable, environmentally friendly building, but is also organizing volunteers and trainees to work with residents on energy efficiency. Current program areas include: Regulatory Oversight, Sustainable Redevelopment, and Climate and Clean Energy.

The Old City Building Center

The Old City Building Center is a project of The Mid City Neighborhood Organization. Its mission is to train young adults in deconstruction techniques and basic craft skills, as well as the value and environmental impact of reusing salvaged building materials for restoration and historic preservation. Corpsmembers are trained in the use of mill shop equipment using recycled materials to create furniture, planter boxes, picture frames, wine racks, mug trees and other small items for sale, allowing them to learn entrepreneurship as well.

Limitless Vistas, Inc.

Limitless Vistas, Inc. (LVI) is devoted to creating opportunity for disconnected youth. Founded by Patrick Barnes, President of BFA Environmental Consultants, with the premise “The greatest opportunity coincides with the greatest need.” We realize that the infrastructure repair and environmental restoration needs are greatest in poor communities, and we think that the most effected individuals should have a viable opportunity to participate in the on-going the Gulf Coast Restoration effort and establish careers in industries with a proven present and future marketability.

City of Hope

The City of Hope Youth Development Corps is designed to engage young people in service to the community and the environment. While Corps members give back to the community, they also further their education and learn valuable employment, leadership and life skills. The experience stresses hard work, personal responsibility, self-confidence, teamwork and stewardship of community and natural resources. Corps projects may be related to enhancing and restoring community structures and grounds. City of Hope Youth Development Corps is committed to mastery of youth development whereby setting the example within industry for others to adhere to by providing personal and professional life coaching, educational gap support, individual training, and trade services development for community support.

The Tri-Parish Restoration Corps

St. James Parish Department of Human resources has received funding from the St. Charles parish River Parishes Workforce Investment Board to provide job training for out of school youth 17-21 years of age.The program is open to low-income St. James Parish residents who have dropped out of school or have a GED or diploma and are basic skills deficient.

Career Start will provide job training, GED or higher education assistance, work experience, mentoring and individual case management to 12 young adults per cycle. Each individual enrolled in the plan will complete assessments, service plans and goal setting workshops in an effort to allow students to become workforce ready.

The Recovery School District

Through partnering with leaders in the New Orleans business, government, and non-profit community, RSD offer students an opportunity to build professional skills, begin internships through service and learning projects with the public and private sector, complete business/entrepreneurial course instruction in a university setting and embark on building a career while still in school.