Junior League of New Orleans awards $20,000 in Community Assistance Fund grants

Written By Alicia Vial

Funding supports programs helping women access opportunity, improve health and build stronger families in New Orleans communities

NEW ORLEANS – The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) awarded $20,000 in Community Assistance Fund grants to four standout nonprofits strengthening women and families across Greater New Orleans — En-Hacore Community Center and Orientation (ECCO), Youth Run NOLA, the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund (DSEF) and Streetside Library.

“The Community Assistance Fund is one of JLNO’s most community-centered programs and we’re thrilled to support organizations that are changing lives right here at home,” said Taralyn Webster, JLNO’s Community Assistance Fund chair. “From helping young women reach college to building confidence through running or reading, these groups represent what’s best about our city.”

The Community Assistance Fund grants are awarded in one of three categories: Economic Opportunity, Family Assistance and Physical/Mental Health. ECCO will expand its educational and STEM programs for first-generation Latina students, opening doors to college and careers. Youth Run NOLA will empower young people through movement and mentorship, helping girls and nonbinary youth build confidence, resilience and community. DSEF will equip adolescent girls with leadership and health education through its expanding GIRLS NOLA program and Streetside Library will bring diverse, culturally relevant books directly to families across New Orleans, promoting literacy and connection.

“JLNO is honored to partner with such powerful community organizations,” said Michelle Clarke Payne, JLNO President. “Each grantee is helping women and families in ways that impact generations — opening doors, lifting burdens, and creating a stronger New Orleans for all.”

Since 2014, JLNO’s Community Assistance Fund has invested nearly $600,000 in more than 70 local nonprofits working to uplift women and families. The 2025 grant cycle drew a record number of applications, reflecting the growing reach of the program.

To learn more about JLNO’s Community Assistance Fund visit jlno.org.

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About Junior League New Orleans
Junior League of New Orleans is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. More information on the organization can be found at www.jlno.org

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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