The 9th Ward is Our Home.
We’re invested in shaping its future for the generations to come.
Raising the Next Generation of Indigenous Leaders
Every staff member was once a kid looking up to 9th ward leaders; now we are those leaders. Thrive 9th Ward is a constant support pillar in the lives of young children in the neighborhood that grows with them as they become teenagers and adults, encouraging them to take pride in our shared roots.
Our Youth Programs
At the Thrive Center, we host opportunities to play sports alongside a range of mentoring, tutoring, discipleship and leadership development programs supported by various summer camp activities that provide young participants with valuable opportunities to enhance their athletic skills while fostering personal growth, teamwork, and leadership abilities in a supportive and engaging environment.
Enjoy Summer Camps
Our Annual Summer Camp serves families with children ages 5-12. From the beginning of June to mid-July, we take them on field trips, swimming, to play sports and games, advance their reading, and get creative. We also enjoy smaller sessions in VBS (Vacation Bible School), Summer Christian Trips, and College Bound for our soon-to-be freshmen.
Holistic Tutoring & Education
We provided academic support to at-risk youth, focusing on improving GPA and attendance.
Become a Leader & Work Towards Personal Growth
Through our Leadership Development Program, adolescents cultivate leadership skills under the mentorship of program staff, mentors, and community leaders.
Further, “Thriving” is a discipleship program for young women who are invited into our safe space to talk about their lives and work on personal growth. Ages 12-18 are welcome.
Join a Sports League
Learn the basics of basketball and how to work as a team! Program runs in the fall and does not have any league fees. At the Thrive Center, Youth can also engage in various organized sports at the community center, including volleyball, flag football, and dance.
Meet the Indigenous Leaders of our Youth
I remember growing up as a youth -as a teenager – and a group of folks really invested in me personally. Using their time, talents and treasures to really empower me. By the grace of God, I was able to become who I am today.
It would have been cool if someone was pouring into my entire family. I’m the oldest of 3 boys. In my family, I was one of the first to go to college. It’s like: I got a chance to grow because of the investment people made in me, but I always look back at the missed opportunity for my family. It always replayed in my mind: ‘man just imagine if my entire family was invested in the way that I was invested in.’ We would have whole families of leaders in the 9th ward now.
So, that’s what we do at Thrive 9th Ward; we try to invest in families.”
Dwana Caliste is a passionate advocate for the youth of New Orleans, currently serving as the Youth Director for the Thrive 9th Ward Community Center. With over 20 years of experience, Dwana has been a trailblazer, dedicated to empowering young people and fostering community growth.
In addition to her role at Thrive, Dwana is a Health educator and the Athletic Director at her alma mater, George Washington Carver High School, where she continues to inspire students both in the classroom and on the field.
Dwana is married and a proud mother to three children: Tyler (24), Biggs (19), and Kaheem (15). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Dwana is also the author of So You Say You Want To Help?, a comprehensive service-learning manual on volunteerism, further demonstrating her commitment to creating opportunities for meaningful community engagement.
Thrive New Orleans
1433 North Claiborne Ave.
New Orleans, LA. 70116
Phone: 504.564.7739