Reconcile at 25
Purpose Possibility & Impact
From a leap of faith in 2000 to transforming thousands of lives—celebrate our journey and the stories that shaped us.
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25 Years of
Transformation
2000+
Total Program Graduates
25
Years in Central City
40+
Community partners
108,000
Catfish Plates Served
Priceless
Lives Transformed
A Legacy
in Motion
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1996
Reconcile’s building purchased for $50,000
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2000
Café Reconcile established
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2005
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans and Gulf Coast
Cafe Reconcile reopened in 6 weeks with only 3 staff and volunteers serving buffet style
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2007
First Lady Laura Bush visits Cafe Reconcile as part of Katrina recovery effort
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2008
Craig Cuccia steps down as first Executive Director. New Executive Director appointed: Sister Mary Lou Specha
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2010
Launch of Reconcile’s Building on 10 Anniversary Campaign to renovate the building and expand programming.
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2012
Glen Artemantrout announced as Reconcile’s 3rd Executive Director
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2013
Cafe Reconcile reopens after renovations from Building on 10 Campaign
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2014
Delgado Community College Scholarship Program announced
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2016
Gerald Duhon hired as Reconcile’s 4th Executive Director
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2020
MAY
Reopen for take out after initial March 2020 Covid-19 pandemic closureNOVEMBER
Chef Martha Wiggins takes charge of dining operations as new Chief Culinary Officer -
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2023
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2023
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2024
February
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2024
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2024
OCTOBER Grand Open of the Oscar J. Tolmas Career Exploration Center
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2025
Celebrating 25 years at Reconcile!
Celebrate
With Us
SUNday SOCIAL
25 Years of Good Food & Great Purpose
September 28
This laid-back, approachable neighborhood social brings together everything we love about New Orleans—incredible live music from headlining local act Sunpie Barnes, signature cocktails from New Orleans’ hottest bars, curated Reconcile passed offerings, plus food stations featuring our alumni and workforce partner chefs, and the kind of authentic community spirit that defines Reconcile. Dance, dine, and sip on delicious cocktails while experiencing firsthand the power of our mission to cultivate growth and empower potential in New Orleans youth. It's more than a party—it's 25 years of impact served up with good music, great food, and even greater purpose!
Community Day
September 5
Community Day at Café Reconcile celebrates 25 years of transformation through the voices and talents of our incredible alumni community. Join us for a special lunch service featuring our signature menu plus anniversary specials. Join us for storytelling, family-friendly fun, mission-driven activations, and even the announcement of our community conversations that bring our story to life. See how a community investing in its young people creates lasting change and discover how you can be part of the next chapter.
25 Years of
Growth Stories
Hear from the voices that built our community
John J. Zollinger, IV
Board Chair 2025-2026
“It started off with a really big heart and a really big mission, and it’s evolved into a place where this is a truly professional organization that is doing wonderful work and impacting lives to a really great extent.”
Craig Cuccia
Co-Founder
“The trust level that was built in those first years was amazing, and it was all through fully looking out for the children.”
Martha Wiggins
Chief Culinary Officer and Executive Chef
“While our young people need structure, consistency, and to be held accountable, they also need love and to know that they are loved. And I think they really feel that here.”
Micah Sharp
Reconcile 2025 Intern
“It opened me up to so many possibilities. My whole perspective changed, so I just keep growing, keep learning.”
Caitlin Scanlan
Chief Development Officer
“Reconcile is a community. There is a legacy of saying, ‘I want what is better for the next generation.’ When you give that gift, it is going back to young people to do really important work.”
