My 1500th Yelp review (!) takes me out of my San Francisco Bay Area comfort zone and smack dab in…read morethe middle of the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans. When I planned a trip for me and Jamie W. to come down here, it was pure coincidence and rather serendipitous that we should find ourselves here on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, we decided to take a bus tour to see for ourselves the devastation and the speed of recovery from that mega-disaster. The tour was poignant and somewhat depressing for the little change we saw throughout the affected areas except for the one glimmer of hope that shone as a beacon at the end of our journey. Gray Line gave us a special addendum to the tour which allowed us to visit the neighborhood being rebuilt by the Make It Right Foundation. For those who have been sitting under a magnolia tree when the levees broke, this is the effort initiated by Brad Pitt in 2006 to build new homes for the previous residents in a manner that focuses on green-friendliness. You can tell from my photos that the results since the plans were first drawn up have been impressive. These are beautiful, architecturally stylish homes. The foundation's mission is clear - to be a catalyst for the complete redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward by building these homes with an emphasis on safety, sustainability, and high quality design, while preserving the spirit of the community's culture. The goal of 150 houses completed is to accomplish this quickly in order for residents to be able to return to their homes as soon as possible. Forty-two have been completed according to our local guide Caesar, so progress is being made. We were fortunate to be allowed to see the interior of one of the nearly completed homes to see all the sustainable touches built into the house. It's a significant achievement and one that should make Angelina Jolie feel like she married more than just a pretty boy.

I realize that this review will most likely draw some heat, but Yelp is about varying opinions,…read moreright? While I really appreciate what the Make it Right Foundation is doing, these houses are downright ugly. Maybe I am not a forward thinking conservationist. Maybe I liked the way the old houses in this neighborhood looked. Maybe I am just a fool. Regardless of what I am, I think these houses look funky. While ugly, these houses are supposed to be incredibly energy efficient. They have also drawn the focus of the national media onto an area so devastated by Hurricane Katrina. I am slightly disappointed that so many people focus on this one area when other areas were affected as significantly, but that is the way it works. If you want to see them for yourself, head over the Claiborne bridge, you can't miss them.

Great community center hosting organizations and nonprofits. It has a lovely garden and is next to…read morea playground. There's a really nice shaded fitness center next to it too. There is a parking lot attached to it. The organization I'm familiar with is Friends if Lafitte Greenway that has their office here.

Amazing local organization who not only provides jobs and opportunities for folks with learning…read moredisabilities, but they do so much good for the city. Not only can you donate your time to help sort heads but you can purchase recycled beads and throws from them too! This is a great organization to support and help give back to our city.

Bought my Mardi Gras beads and throws here for recycling. Very good idea! And they turn the beads…read moreinto jobs for the local community. Thank you!!!

Well this turned out to be an outstanding evening. I always…read moreenjoy an event where we can bring friends and or family. In my opinion there isn't enough of them. Nothing better than an event that also benefits a charity. I brought my son, Jack along with me on this fine evening. After everyone lingered in, we were treated to a tour of the facility. I understood the concept of resale, but the behind the scenes tour brought it to a whole new level. The hugely daunting task of sorting is left to staff of arc and a never ending stream of volunteers whom sort and prep beads and throws for resale. Arc had developed a method that when put to the task, we found ourselves in a zen motion of sorting. Between specialty beads, Krewe beads and longs, we enjoyed pizza, snacks, and beverages. The best part about ARC is the countless jobs and benefits that it is able to provide to so many individuals who might otherwise not able to find gainful employment. My son and I really enjoyed ourselves and plan to come back and help again. If you find yourself riding someday in a magical mardi gras parade, please consider buying your throws from ARC. Maybe you'll look down upon me as I scream "Throw me something mister!"

What a great experience! I made a decision to do more volunteering this year so of course when this…read moreopportunity came up I jumped at the chance. I had heard a couple of horror stories about how gross bead sorting can be but this was far from the truth. Everything was neatly organized and the staff was friendly and helpful. Volunteering here creates jobs for many people so its a great way to give back. The time flew by as we sorted through countless bins of beads. You can also buy beads here so spread the word! Great activity for groups.

Came for a craft fair and that is exactly what was going on. Everyone seemed friendly enough. I…read morehave been to a meeting here, and it is a nice space. The spacing between the booths seemed a bit tight, but they did make the best use of the space possible.

We set up here for the first time as a vendor for a craft fair. When we rented the spot, we were…read moretold: 1. We would have the carport area, which will be the only way in and out during the craft show. 2. There would be plenty of foot traffic due to vendors being set up outside and inside. This was by far the worst experience we've had. We were actually the ONLY vendors outside. People came and went mainly from the doors , around the corner from us. Then a rain storm came, all the water from the gutters rushed down along the building and turned right into the carport, so we were literally set up in a small river. Noone from the craft fair mgmt came to help us or offer us to move. We ended up packing up in the rain and leaving. Having only been here for 2 hours. Major disappointment. We will never set up with this show ever again.

This is a great non profit incubator, almost like a think tank. Several local non profits are…read morehoused in this location. Currently LANO (Louisiana Authority on Non Profit Organizations) and Goodwork Network among others. Non profits looking for small office space should definitely contact this location for reasonable priced space. This is also a great place to hold small seminars for your organization. Also in this location a "Foundation Center" section is set up and managed by LANO for organizations looking to research grants.

This is a wonderful summer camp that my kids attend. It's an arts based camp with a focus on…read moreartistic enrichment, community involvement and cultural appreciation. They have artists and musicians that come out to offer classes to their campers, and they have wonderful culminating performances. My kids love it here.

How have I not reviewed this establishment??? Oh My!!!! Let's get it…read more.. This place is essential and the plug for small businesses, entrepreneurs, minority business owners, female founders, veterans owned business; need I say more? I have utilized the services provided by the Urban League all too often. The assistance I've received from Klassi Duncan, Toya Crosby, Frank Johnson and a host of others is INVALUABLE!!!! Operating a small business is difficult and to do it as a WOMAN of COLOR is more difficult than I can even begin to talk about, so let's not. But what I will talk about is the Urban League and the plethora of programs they provide to assist and enable you to grow and scale. From webinars, to assisting with microgrants, to distributing materials for business growth and development to personal business mentoring and assistance... this is WHERE IT'S AT for all things small businesses. I also love that the Urban League gives back to the community in a major way. I'm speaking about their yearly school supply give away, COVID-19 face mask give away and a host of other events... it's remarkable and truly a blessing to the community at large. I would love to be posted up here AT ALL TIMES because they are a great resource and I love gobbling up said resources to enhance my business; but I can't do that, so I won't, LOL. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.