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
SUNdays at Reconcile Series
June 22 | July 27 | August 24
There’s nothing quite like Sunday in New Orleans—especially when it’s shared around the table. SUNdays at Reconcile is more than a meal; it’s a soulful, seasonal dining experience that brings together community, conversation, and purpose in the heart of Central City. Held in honor of Reconcile New Orleans’ 25th anniversary, this limited-run event series celebrates what Sundays are all about: good food, good people, and doing good for our city.
Community Day
September 5
Community Day at Café Reconcile showcases 25 years of transformation through the voices and talents of our alumni community. Join us for lunch featuring our signature menu plus anniversary specials, and experience the celebratory courtyard activations that bring our mission to life. Come see what happens when a community truly invests in its young people—and discover how you can be part of the next chapter.
Reconcile at 25: SUNday Night Social
25 Years of Good Food & Great Purpose
September 28
This laid-back, approachable neighborhood block party brings together everything we love about New Orleans—incredible live music from a headlining local act, signature cocktails, 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!
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.”
