PRESS RELEASE - SEPT 29, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Couvent Collective Submits Proposal to Archdiocese of New Orleans to Preserve Historic Holy Redeemer School and Empower the Local Community
New Orleans, LA – September 29, 2024 – The Couvent Collective is excited to announce that a formal proposal has been submitted to the Archdiocese of New Orleans to acquire and preserve the historic Holy Redeemer School at 1941 Dauphine Street. This proposal seeks to transform the building into a dynamic community hub, focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and business development for the residents of New Orleans.
The proposal comes at a critical time, as developers have shown interest in purchasing the property to build condominiums. However, this direction does not align with the original vision of Marie Justine Cirnaire Couvent, a free woman of color who donated the land in 1837 to serve the education of African American children. The Couvent Collective aims to continue her mission by preserving this historic site and ensuring it remains a place that uplifts the community.
“As a Holy Redeemer graduate, I’m deeply connected to this project,” says Kim M. Braud, founder of The Couvent Collective. “We believe that turning the property into condominiums would erase its rich history and miss the opportunity to provide lasting community benefits. Our goal is to honor Marie Couvent’s legacy by keeping the school’s purpose alive, ensuring it serves the people.”
A Vision for the Future
The proposal outlines plans to create a vibrant coworking space and business development center, with a focus on three key pillars:
Entrepreneurship and Business Development: The collective will provide flexible workspaces, business workshops, and mentorship programs to foster the growth of local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Childhood and Youth Development: Programs such as after-school tutoring, leadership workshops, and Father-Son activities will empower youth with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
Workforce Development: Through partnerships with local organizations, the collective will offer workforce development and job-readiness programs, helping adults gain the skills necessary to thrive in today’s economy.
Securing Financial Sustainability
As part of the proposal, The Couvent Collective will be financially sustained through diverse revenue streams, including coworking memberships, event space rentals, educational workshops, and an on-site coffee shop. Additional services such as post office box rentals and Amazon Lockers will further enhance the center’s revenue potential.
The collective has also launched the Legacy Life Initiative, with plans to create an endowment fund that will secure long-term financial sustainability. Larkspur Wealth Management will provide life insurance products for the endowment, utilizing its extensive network to attract donors, corporate sponsors, and planned giving contributions.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
In addition to preserving the historic structure, The Couvent Collective will actively engage the New Orleans community through partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government entities. “We are thrilled to have submitted this proposal and look forward to the opportunity to bring Holy Redeemer School back to life,” says Braud. “This project is about more than just preserving a building—it’s about building a future for the community through education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.”
Looking Ahead
Pending approval from the Archdiocese, The Couvent Collective is poised to become a beacon of growth and opportunity in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, empowering the next generation of business leaders and supporting the long-term economic and social development of New Orleans.
About The Couvent Collective
The Couvent Collective is a community-driven organization dedicated to preserving the historic Holy Redeemer School and transforming it into a hub for entrepreneurship, education, and community empowerment. We aim to foster economic growth and opportunity for underserved communities in New Orleans through coworking spaces, educational programs, and workforce development initiatives.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kim M. Braud
Founder, The Couvent Collective
770.652.7103