A Brighter Winter for New Orleans Youth
- Raintree Staff
- 14 hours ago
- 6 min read
During the holiday season, we find ourselves reflecting on a year filled with meaningful growth and renewed purpose. At Raintree, each milestone has been shaped by the resilience of the children and families we serve and the unwavering support of our community. From expanding essential programs to strengthening our mission of providing safety, stability, and hope, this year has reminded us of the power of compassion in action. We are deeply grateful for the partnerships, generosity, and belief in our work that continue to move Raintree forward.
News and Updates from Our Programs
2026 is nearly here, but we can't forget about the accomplishments made in 2025 in order to keep the momentum going. Here are some stories that continue to inspire us!
Family Support Coordination:
Lee has demonstrated significant progress over the past reporting period. His mother reports that he is talking more and has become increasingly expressive. She also notes that his providers have been wonderful and that their support has greatly contributed to his growth. The strong collaboration between his family and service team has been an important factor in Lee’s continued success.
Sloan has only been in the program for a month and is already showing progress with speech by speaking and talking more.
Foster Care
Jayne, age 1, has faced significant medical challenges but recently underwent a successful liver transplant and is now doing well. She is meeting all developmental milestones. We accepted her into care in May 2025, at which time she was on the transplant list.
Rachel, age 12, has been with us since 2022. Although she has experienced periods of defiant behavior, with consistent support from her therapist, foster parents, and case manager, she has demonstrated improved self-control.
Raintree House
This year's 2nd quarter report cards were outstanding! Out of 10 report cards, 5 were on the honor roll!
During the Thanksgiving Holiday, a few residents were able to spend time at home with a relative!
Mentoring
After moving through multiple foster homes and facilities, Hannah arrived at Raintree House with the hope of reuniting with her mother. Just when she needed connection the most, Hannah was matched with a mentor who would change everything.
They chose Sundays as their day, and week by week, trust and love grew. With that steady support, Hannah began to find her voice. She grew more confident, built healthy relationships, and stepped into leadership among her peers during Youth
Initiative meetings.
As her bond with her mentor deepened, it became clear that reunification was no longer possible. The court changed her permanency goal to guardianship, and in a beautiful turn of events, her mentor stepped forward to become her legal guardian.
In less than a year, Hannah left Raintree House and moved into her mentor’s home. Today, she is thriving, surrounded by stability, love, and the family she always deserved.
What the Holiday at Raintree Looks Like
Happy December! This holiday season at Raintree is truly magical- a time to celebrate, give thanks and create memories that will last a lifetime. All three of our programs embrace the season with celebrations tailored to the unique needs of the children and families they serve. This is a time of wonder as we watch our program participants experience the holidays in ways they never could before: smiles, laughter, and excitement lighting up every room.
Thanks to the generosity of our staff, donors, and supporters, donated gifts and essentials find their way into the hands of the children and families we serve, filling their hearts with joy and making the season feel extra bright.
At Raintree, the holidays are about connection, hope, and giving, celebrating the spirit of the season while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
How Trauma Affects Raintree's Children
Trauma impacts the youth we serve in so many ways. One major way is development.
Foster youth often come from “hard places.” For example, they may have experienced abuse, abandonment, homelessness, etc. Foster youth may develop differently than that of a child not in foster care due to ongoing trauma and its impact.
Through our three core programs: Raintree House Foster Group Home, Therapeutic Foster Care, and Family Support Coordination, we offer a safe, nurturing environment where children can begin to heal and rebuild trust. Our staff and caregivers work closely with each child to address emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges that often arise from traumatic experiences.
Here are some tips when caring for youth in foster care:
Meet them where they are
Offer simple 1-2 step tasks while assisting, as needed
Set realistic and reasonable goals that children can meet
Slowly raise the bar as the children grow more confident in their abilities
Though children in foster care may not have experienced typical development, growth is always possible.
Developmental Milestones and Prevention Tips to Share
Why are Developmental Milestones Crucial?
Developmental milestones act as an "early warning system" giving you important clues about your child's development. These milestones are usually grouped into four key areas:
Physical development
Communication and Language
Social & Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Tips on Prevention:
Scientist don't always know why developmental delays happen, but here are some ways to help:
Talk, Sing & Read- this helps your child learn language.
Encourage Movement- Provide tummy time, limit time in seats and swings.
Engage in Play - this can help with a variety of skills like fine motor and social-emotional skills.
Limit Screens- it is said that children learn best from interactions with others.
Teach Simple Skills- name objects, count everyday items, and practice 2-3 step instructions.
Did You Know?
The CDC provides an app that you can download called Milestone Tracker. It allows you to put your child's age and gender, and you can follow along with milestones to make sure your child's development is on target.
And remember it's about bringing Awareness, not Anxiety. Interaction is key!
Centennial Paint the Town Green Gala
Paint the Town Green 2026 will be an especially meaningful celebration. Not only will
it be more vibrant than ever, but it will also mark our 100th anniversary, a milestone we’re proud to share with you. We’d be honored to have you with us this year. Your support and presence make this event truly possible.
March is also Social Worker Appreciation Month, which makes the timing of our gala even more serendipitous.
Most of Raintree’s staff are certified social workers who have dedicated years to supporting children in our community. This gala celebrates their incredible work and offers a meaningful way to show our gratitude.
Paint the Town Green has been a cherished tradition for more than 15 years. Green, our signature color, connects not only to our logo and the spirit of March and St. Patrick’s Day, but also symbolizes healing and growth, making it the perfect reflection of Raintree’s mission. Green is known for its calming effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It is often used in color therapy to promote relaxation and emotional balance.
This gala is filled with community, live music, delicious cuisine, specialty cocktails, silent and live auction items, and heartfelt presentations by Raintree. The ballroom traditionally glistens with vibrant artwork by Michalopoulos. Paint the Town Green truly shines in countless ways: from the warm welcome of familiar faces to the electric energy on the dance floor, every moment celebrates hope, connection, and the powerful impact we create together.
More About Raintree's Centennial Renovation
Raintree’s campus has been in community since 1926. After many decades of service, a renovation is long overdue, and we’re thrilled to see this project finally taking shape. These updates will bring meaningful improvements and new spaces that will strengthen our programs and better support our staff. Through the years this house and office have helped change the lives of New Orleans youth.
Our office is being completely reimagined as an open, adaptable space where collaboration can thrive. We are adding more room, a bigger kitchen more restrooms, and an outdoor space where youth can play and connect.
Raintree House will also receive several thoughtful new features, all designed to enhance daily life for our residents, while ensuring its cherished historic character remains fully intact. The renovation includes a redesigned kitchen with significantly expanded storage and improved functionality for shared meals and activities, a space for therapeutic interventions and skill training, and a salon.
How You Can Contribute
By giving to Raintree’s Capital Campaign, you are not just helping to renovate a series of buildings; you are transforming an entire campus that serves as a sanctuary and support hub for the children, families, caregivers, and staff. Your investment will strengthen every facet of Raintree’s mission, allowing us to serve more youth, more effectively for generations to come.
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