Our Impact: Healing, Dignity, and Community

At NouLA, we are committed to addressing the systemic gaps that disabled individuals, particularly those at the intersections of other marginalized identities, face within support systems. Our mission is to bridge these gaps by offering immediate resources and fostering long-term empowerment through art and mutual aid. We believe that healing and liberation are collective efforts, achieved one creative act at a time.

Empowering Through Art and Creativity

Our art therapy programs provide a safe, culturally affirming space for individuals and families to process trauma, explore identity, and reconnect with their sense of self. Led by trained therapists and community artists, our sessions integrate visual arts, storytelling, music, and movement, celebrating participants' languages, histories, and lived experiences. These creative practices are grounded in trauma-informed care, offering pathways to self-discovery and resilience.

Building Community and Navigating Systems

Accessing essential services can be daunting, especially for those navigating new cultural landscapes. NouLA offers peer-based support and educational workshops to guide families and individuals through local systems while affirming their cultural identity and dignity. Our services include assistance with medical and therapy appointments, interpretation, and care coordination, as well as connecting families to Deaf, immigrant, and disability networks.

Mutual Aid: Solidarity in Action

No one should have to choose between survival and dignity. Our mutual aid programs provide direct, emergency support for immigrant and refugee families affected by disability, poverty, or statelessness. We respond with grocery deliveries, rent assistance, essential clothing, winter gear, and hygiene kits. Unlike traditional charity models, our work is rooted in solidarity, not charity.

Uplifting Youth Caregivers

Children and youth who serve as caregivers often bear responsibilities beyond their years. At NouLA, we uplift these young leaders through scholarships, mentorship, and enrichment programs. We provide financial assistance for education, arts programs, and extracurricular activities, create peer support spaces, and offer creative and leadership workshops to strengthen self-advocacy skills.

Advocacy and Systems Change

Our advocacy efforts focus on dismantling systemic barriers and promoting policies that honor the dignity and rights of disabled individuals. We collaborate with community partners to influence change and ensure that the voices of those we serve are heard and valued.