Our Programs
The Evening Reporting Center (ERC) was a 45-day alternative-to-detention program created to address poor decision-making and reduce youth involvement in criminal activity. Through short-term, intensive intervention, the program provided guidance, accountability, and support for youth preparing to return to court, while actively discouraging additional charges and harmful behaviors.
Using the ERC curriculum, Anchors for Change, participants were challenged to know self, accept self, develop self, and give self. The program focused on personal growth, responsibility, mentorship, and helping youth build healthier pathways for their future.
(2019–2025)
2026 Program Update:
The ERC program is currently being re-imagined. During this transition, Family Center of Hope will continue providing guidance, mentorship, and support to its remaining youth participants while redeveloping the initiative with a renewed vision, expanded impact, and stronger community-centered approach.
Evening Reporting Center
Passages is a historical Rites of Passage mentoring program established in 1988 to guide youth through one of the most critical stages of life the transition from boyhood to manhood. Rooted in culturally relevant principles, mentorship, and personal development, the program focuses on building self-awareness, self-responsibility, rational decision-making, discipline, and respect.
Through guidance, accountability, and community support, Passages equips young people with the tools needed to grow into confident, responsible leaders. While originally designed to support young men, the program also includes a women’s development component that welcomes and empowers girls through mentorship and life skills development.
Passages
Helping Mother’s Heal (HMH) is a grief support initiative established in 2012 to provide compassionate, cognitive based support groups for mothers who have lost sons and daughters to violence. HMH creates a safe and supportive environment where mothers can openly share their experiences, find comfort, and connect with other women who have walked similar journeys of loss and healing.
More than a support group, Helping Mother’s Heal is a space for restoration, encouragement, and empowerment. Through community, conversation, and emotional support, mothers are challenged to transform their pain into purpose while finding strength, hope, and healing together.
Helping Mother’s Heal
Parenting Matters is a family support and education program established in 2000 to equip parents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to build healthier family relationships. Through a variety of supportive educational groups, the program addresses the evolving needs of parents at every stage of child development.
Parenting Matters focuses on teaching effective parenting skills that encourage nurturing behavior, healthy communication, and greater awareness of childhood development. Central to the program is strengthening parent and child relationships by promoting positive communication styles, emotional understanding, and supportive family engagement.
Parenting Matters
The Anchor New Orleans Youth Assessment Center (NOYAC) serves as a centralized hub and single point of contact for youth ages 10–17 in New Orleans who are exhibiting behaviors that may place them at risk of juvenile justice involvement. Through early intervention, assessment, and supportive services, NOYAC works to connect youth and families with the resources, guidance, and community support needed to promote positive outcomes and long term success.
Youth may be referred by schools, law enforcement, parents or guardians, and community members. The program focuses on prevention, accountability, mentorship, and redirecting youth toward healthier pathways before deeper justice system involvement occurs.
The Anchor NOYAC
Project ReStore is a youth intervention program established in 2008 to support young individuals involved in minor offenses within schools and the community. The program provides opportunities for youth to confront and address the behaviors, challenges, and underlying issues that may contribute to delinquency and negative decision-making.
Through mentorship, accountability, education, and evidence based practices, Project ReStore focuses on helping youth develop healthier thinking patterns, improve decision-making skills, and create more positive pathways for their future. The program’s mission is to intervene early, promote personal growth, and stop delinquency before it escalates further.
Project ReStore
Inside Hope
For over 38 years, Family Center of Hope has remained committed to restoring lives, strengthening families, and creating pathways for youth and community healing in New Orleans. These stories and reflections offer a deeper look into the heart of our work highlighting the impact of our programs, the voices of the people we serve, and the hope that continues to drive our mission forward.