High Voltage

High Voltage is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to providing vital educational, cultural, and recreational programs to economically disadvantaged youth and senior citizens in Metro New Orleans. By fostering unique intergenerational connections, we build character in our youth and deliver essential care, socialization, and dignity to our seniors. Founded in 2003, High Voltage serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change in New Orleans. We operate on the core values of diversity, inclusion, excellence, integrity, and respect. Metro New Orleans has one of the nation’s highest While our youth face critical gaps in out-of-school resources, High Voltage bridges this gap by bringing both generations together.  Our programs also allow students to earn high school, college, and medical school community service credits while directly uplifting the community's elders.

What We Do: Our Impact:

Senior Support & Wellness: We serve over 100 senior citizens monthly, providing nutritious meals, essential toiletries, socialization activities, and educational workshops. We host ongoing arts and crafts workshops—including Legacy Lines, Mardi Gras mask-making,  and many more fun activities sponsored by the  City of New Orleans, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and the New Orleans Cultural and Tourism Fund.

Youth Empowerment & Literacy: 

We  participate in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, providing free books to children ages 0–5 to build early literacy. We co-sponsor a summer camp and participate in Planet Mongul Entrepreneurship for youth.  

Cleanups & Revitalization: We organize seasonal community service events, transforming neighborhood spaces like the Esperanza Academy Middle School playground and honoring local history through public art. 

Our recent collaborations include: HANO (Housing Authority of New Orleans): Partnering with the Resident Opportunity Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) team to drive deep community engagement. EskewDumezRipple: Teamed up for major MLK Day of Service projects to revitalize local community spaces. EventsNorth: Distributed essential toiletries to 655 local seniors and 100 youth in foster care. 

How Your Donation Helps: 

New Orleans embraces its own, but none of this vital work is possible without the generosity of donors like you. Your contribution directly funds:🧸 $25 buys books and educational toys for children during our holiday giveaways.🎨 $50 funds art supplies for a senior citizen workshop to combat isolation.🎒 $100 provides STEM learning kits and essential school supplies for underprivileged students.📦 $250 funds workshops for youth and senior citizens and monthly hot meals for vulnerable seniors.Thank you for standing with High Voltage and investing in the heart and soul of New Orleans!

Donation Levels:  

High Voltage Hero                                                          $10 

Activities for Seniors                                                       $20

Bags of Hope for the Unhoused:                                    $25 

College Student Internship Support                              $50 

Technology Improvement                                             $200 

Meals for 100 Senior Citizens                                       $250 

  Major Gift of $500 or more                                         $500  

Testimonials

Hi, I am Sonia a graduate of the University of Maryland.  I completed an internship extending from summer through fall of 2025.  I was trusted with meaningful responsibilities in marketing, including creating social media content and managing newsletters. I was encouraged to think strategically, analyze results, and contribute ideas that directly supported the organization’s mission. This hands-on experience helped me strengthen my professional skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how nonprofit work creates real community impact. The High Voltage team is supportive, collaborative, and genuinely invested in student learning. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to programs that truly make a difference in communities across Louisiana.

-Sonia Chen

"Hi , I'm Kailyn a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans. I started volunteering as a part of my graduation requirement and throughout the experience, I have met many wonderful and welcoming people and have been apart of quite a few great community events that I have really enjoyed. My experience volunteering with High Voltage has been so impactful and educational, that I plan to continue to volunteering with High Voltage for many years.

-Kailyn Pennington