Throughout the second quarter of 2025, Son of a Saint has continued to strengthen core programming while advancing strategic priorities across the organization. Our team has focused on deepening alumni engagement, expanding out-of-state enrichment opportunities for mentees, and sustaining meaningful partnerships that support long-term impact. As we move through the rest of the year, we remain committed to growing with intention and stewarding every resource to support the young men we serve.
FINANCIAL AUDIT
READ & DOWNLOAD AUDIT
We’re proud to share that we completed our annual independent audit for the 2024 fiscal year with incredible results. The audit confirms that our finances are strong and reflect our ongoing commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. This solid financial standing allows us to confidently invest in our mission and plan for the future.
2025 Q2 IMPACT REPORT
A NIGHT IN NEW YORK
EXPLORE THE EVENT RECAP
On May 21, Son of a Saint returned to New York City for our second A Night in New York event— an evening dedicated to expanding awareness of our mission and connecting with supporters beyond New Orleans. Guided by the tagline “Our story is in every city,” the event highlighted how the impact of Son of a Saint extends far beyond our hometown. As our mentees grow into young men, they’re attending college, building careers, starting families, and contributing meaningfully to communities across the country. This year’s event was made even more special by the presence of four Son of a Saint alumni— Quinten, Miles, Ace, and Trey— who shared their personal stories and journeys with our guests. Their reflections offered a powerful, firsthand look at the long-term impact of the SOAS program.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
COMEDY CLUB
Led by comedian Chris Trew, our six-week Comedy & Improv program gave mentees the chance to explore writing, performing, and self-expression in a supportive, creative space. The program culminated in a performance showcase featuring seven mentees and a large audience of family, friends, and supporters. With growing interest and confidence among the participants, we’re already looking forward to launching the next session in September.
SUMMER ACADEMY
Twelve rising 8th grade mentees took part in our week-long Summer Academy— an intensive camp focused on personal growth, healthy decision-making, and academic readiness. Through workshops on goal setting, debate, executive functioning, meditative breathing, and a cooking competition, mentees developed critical life skills in a fun environment. Field trips to the Whitney Museum and Infinity Science Center were made possible thanks to partners like The TEP Center, The American Heart Association, and Aligned Us, with transportation generously donated by Burton Transit.
WEIGHTLIFTING
What began as strength training has grown into a powerful space for physical, emotional, and social development. In our Weightlifting program, mentees learn proper technique and build physical confidence — but just as importantly, they form deep bonds with mentors through shared effort, encouragement, and weekly check-ins. Each session ends with time to reflect, share personal wins, and ask questions. Wednesdays have become a favorite, with “walk and talks” giving boys and mentors time to cool down and connect on a deeper level.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
FISHING KREWE
This summer, our mentees and mentors spent a meaningful day on the water through our Fishing Krewe program. More than just a fishing trip, this experience offered lessons in patience, teamwork, and connection with nature— hallmarks of growing up in Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise. We’re grateful to our friends at Bourgeois Fishing Charters for making this memorable day possible!
MINDFULNESS GROUP
Son of a Saint partnered with The Aligned Foundation to provide our mentees with an evidence-based 8 week initiative designed to equip them with essential life skills in emotional regulation, resilience, and effective communication. Each session included structured mindfulness practices and role-playing real-life scenarios to reinforce communication. The 8 weeks culminated with the mentees sharing their vision boards they created throughout their time in the group
CAMPS OVERVIEW
This summer, our mentees are attending summer camps across the country, gaining life-changing experiences beyond New Orleans. From coast to coast, these out-of-state camps offer opportunities to explore new environments, build independence, and discover new passions. With mentees placed at 15 different camps in 9 states (plus one abroad), our boys are stepping out of their comfort zones and returning home with fresh perspectives and lifelong memories.
Camp Belknap (Mirror Lake, New Hampshire) - 5 mentees
Camp Coniston (Grantham, New Hampshire) - 4 mentees
Camp Winona (Bridgton, Maine) - 3 mentees
Camp Foley (Pine River, Minnesota) - 3 mentees
Camp Ojibwa (Eagle River, Wisconsin) - 2 mentees attending, 2 mentees working
Camp Skylemar (Naples, Maine) - 3 mentees
Camp Rockmont (Black Mountain, North Carolina) - 9 mentees
Normandy Academy - WW2 Museum (France) - 3 mentees
Excite Academy (New Orleans, Louisiana) - 3 mentees
Brother Martin Camp (New Orleans, Louisiana) - 11 mentees
Community Sailing Camp (New Orleans, Louisiana) - 10 mentees
We’re grateful for the generosity of our camp partners and dedicated supporters like The Lilly Family, Jeff & Kristy Meyers, The Merrilee Kullman Living Trust, and Jeffrey Scott & Corine Koornhof— for helping make these transformative summer experiences possible!
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES & POST GRADUATION PLANS
This May, we proudly celebrated a new class of 17 Son of a Saint mentee graduates. As they take the next step in their journeys— entering college, joining the workforce, and pursuing their dreams — we couldn’t be more proud. Here's a look at where they’re headed later this year:
Beau Brignac – St. Stanislaus School, attending Southeastern University
Darryl Villasenor – Acadiana High School in Lafayette, entering the workforce
Jayden Joseph Cavet – Patrick F. Taylor, attending Marion Military Institute
D’Mario Antoine Daniels – East St. John High School, attending University of Louisiana Lafayette (ULL)
Dustin Sorapuru Jr. – Edna Karr, attending Southern University and A&M College
Brandon Butler – Wagner High School in San Antonio, entering the Army and pursuing culinary arts
Leslie Brown – John F. Kennedy High School, attending Tuskegee University/Army ROTC
Equan Mikkadesh Young – St. Augustine High School, attending Texas Southern University
Marco Sierra – New Harmony High School, attending Loyola University New Orleans
Haret Jucup – Frederick A. Douglass High School, attending Delgado Community College
Kyzer Dunbar – IMG Academy, attending Texas Tech on an athletic scholarship
Thomas Jones Jr. – Young Audiences High School, entering a career training program
Mark Gillin – Warren Easton High School, entering the National Guard
Karon Scott – Holy Cross High School, pursuing a career in music
Ke’wan Cooks – KIPP Booker T. Washington, attending Texas College
Ethan Regis – Holy Cross High School, attending Louisiana State University (LSU)
Lester M. Johnson Jr. – Archbishop Rummel, attending The University of West Alabama
B.A. in Liberal Arts University of Southern Mississippi
HONORING OUR COLLEGE GRADUATES
This spring, four Son of a Saint alumni reached a major milestone— earning their college degrees. We celebrate their hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and we’re proud to see them stepping into the next chapter of their lives with purpose and pride.
TREY HAND
B.S. in Health & Physical Education University of Arkansas at Monticello
CESAR MAGEE III
B.A. in Psychology Northwestern State University
B.S. in Systems Engineering United States Military Academy at West Point
KOLBE CAGE
MILES STEWART
WELCOMING NEW BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Son of a Saint is proud to have a diverse, dynamic, and deeply engaged Board of Directors guiding our mission. This quarter, we welcomed two exceptional leaders to the board: Nadia de la Houssaye, Partner at Jones Walker LLP, and Alex Goss, Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner of NewEdge Advisors. Their addition brings our Board of Directors to 21 members, including Emeritus Members, all committed to advancing the long-term impact of the organization.
There’s so much on the horizon at Son of a Saint, and we’d love for you to stay involved. If you’re interested in seeing our mission in action, reach out to development@sonofasaint.org to schedule a tour of our clubhouse— we’d be happy to show you around and share more about our work. If you’re interested in hosting an event or fundraiser for Son of a Saint, please reach out to events@sonofasaint.org.
Also, our Annual Gala returns on November 22, 2025 and sponsorships are now available! To learn more or secure your sponsorship, please contact us at gala@sonofasaint.org
