The 18th Ward Celebrates Expansion with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
New Orleans, LA – April 22, 2025 – The 18th Ward, one of our city’s largest youth-serving nonprofits, proudly announces its expansion following a successful merger with Trinity Community Center. The milestone was celebrated April 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Hollygrove, marking a new chapter of growth, collaboration, and community impact.
The event brought together community leaders, supporters, and local officials to recognize the unification of two impactful organizations. The expansion will allow The 18th Ward to offer more robust programming, reach a wider audience, and operate with greater financial sustainability. The highlight of the ceremony was the official ribbon cutting, symbolizing the opening of The 18th Ward Trinity Community Center and its commitment to serving the youth of New Orleans.
“We are excited to create more high-quality youth programs and expand workforce development opportunities in Hollygrove,” said Lowrey Crews, Founder and CEO of The 18th Ward. “This is more than just a space—it’s a hub for collaboration and community building.”
The merger and expansion were made possible in part by the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Strategic Restructuring and Mergers Fund, which provides critical support to nonprofits seeking to increase efficiency and scale through partnership.
“The Greater New Orleans Foundation is thrilled to have played a role through our Strategic Restructuring and Mergers Fund in facilitating the merger of two dynamic organizations; The 18th Ward and Trinity Community Center,” said Andy Kopplin, President & CEO, Greater New Orleans Foundation. “Both of these organizations have done phenomenal work in our community, and we celebrate them coming together to create an organization that is stronger, more financially stable, and better positioned to scale and have more impact than they were alone.”
The expanded 18th Ward facility will house enhanced educational and enrichment programs, a community gathering space, and additional resources aimed at supporting families and youth development.