Best Women's Programs in Louisiana — 17 verified resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code). Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence serve women.

17 Resources

1. Louisiana Women's Policy and Research Commission — Free

The Louisiana Women's Policy and Research Commission is a state government body that studies and advocates for policies affecting women's economic security, health, education, and legal rights statewide. The commission publishes research on pay equity, childcare access, and workplace protections, and advocates for legislative improvements. Contact them at 225-342-2040 or through the state legislature website. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. A resource for women seeking policy change or data on women's issues in Louisiana.

225-342-2040 · Baton Rouge, LA 70804 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. YWCA Greater New Orleans — Free

YWCA Greater New Orleans empowers women through programs focused on racial justice, economic advancement, and leadership development. Services include job readiness training, financial literacy workshops, health and wellness programs, and advocacy for policy changes benefiting women of color. Call 504-304-2030 or visit in person at 4903 Canal St. Programs are open to all women regardless of income. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. A community hub for women seeking empowerment and connection in the New Orleans area.

504-304-2030 · 4903 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

3. Dress for Success — New Orleans — Free

Dress for Success New Orleans provides free professional clothing and career development services for women seeking employment. Clients receive a complete interview outfit and may return for additional clothing upon accepting a job. Career programs include resume workshops, mock interviews, and professional skills training. Call 504-265-1410 or visit 300 N Broad St to schedule an appointment. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Referrals accepted from workforce agencies, shelters, and social service programs.

504-265-1410 · 300 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Women's New Life Center — Baton Rouge — Free

Women's New Life Center in Baton Rouge offers programs supporting women through pregnancy, parenting, and career development in a faith-based, non-judgmental environment. Services include prenatal education, parenting classes, material baby supplies, job skills training, and mentoring. Call 225-236-2633 or visit 6131 Exchequer Dr. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Programs are free or low-cost for qualifying women. Serves pregnant women, new mothers, and women seeking to build job skills and self-sufficiency.

225-236-2633 · 6131 Exchequer Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. Junior League of New Orleans — Community Programs — Free

Junior League of New Orleans is a women's volunteer organization that funds and delivers community programs benefiting women and children in the greater New Orleans area. Community impact areas include literacy, child welfare, and women's health. Members develop leadership and professional skills through volunteer work. Call 504-891-5845 or visit jlno.org to learn about volunteer opportunities and community programs. Located at 4319 Carondelet St. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

504-891-5845 · 4319 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70115 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. National Council of Jewish Women — New Orleans — Free

National Council of Jewish Women New Orleans advances women's rights, social justice, and community welfare through advocacy, education, and direct service programs. Programs serve women and children across age groups and backgrounds regardless of religious affiliation. Call 504-861-0727 or visit the Harahan office at 8718 Jefferson Hwy. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Programs include legal advocacy, community outreach, and civic engagement opportunities for women seeking to make a difference in the community.

504-861-0727 · 8718 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA 70123 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

7. Women's Business Enterprise Council South — Louisiana — Free

Women's Business Enterprise Council South helps Louisiana women obtain WBENC certification for their businesses, enabling them to compete for corporate and government supplier diversity contracts. Certification opens doors to major procurement opportunities. Contact the Lafayette office at 337-981-1115 or visit wbecsouth.org to begin the application process. Services also include business development workshops, networking events, and mentoring. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Certification fee applies based on business revenue.

337-981-1115 · Lafayette, LA · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Good Work Network — New Orleans — Free

Good Work Network in New Orleans provides economic empowerment and microenterprise development programs for women entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities. Services include small business training, microloans, business plan development, and peer networks. Call 504-324-5470 or visit 2900 Elysian Fields Ave. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Programs are low-cost or free for qualifying women. A practical resource for women starting or growing small businesses in the Greater New Orleans area.

504-324-5470 · 2900 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

9. United Way of Southeast Louisiana — Women United — Free

United Way of Southeast Louisiana Women United is a women's giving circle that funds education and economic stability programs for women and families across the New Orleans region. Members pool philanthropic contributions to support workforce development, early childhood education, and financial empowerment initiatives. Call 504-822-5550 or visit unitedwaysela.org to learn about programs funded in your community. Women seeking community involvement or resource referrals can also call 211. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.

504-822-5550 · 2515 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

The American Association of University Women has empowered women through education, equity, and advocacy since 1881. Local AAUW branches in every state offer networking, scholarships, leadership programs, and advocacy training. AAUW provides fellowships and grants for women pursuing degrees and research. Visit aauw.org to find your nearest branch and apply for funding opportunities. Membership open to all college graduates. A strong national network for women committed to gender equity in education and workplaces.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

The National Organization for Women is the largest grassroots feminist organization in the US, advocating for reproductive rights, pay equity, ending violence against women, and LGBTQ+ rights. Local NOW chapters in every state organize advocacy campaigns, community events, and leadership opportunities for women. Visit now.org to find your chapter, attend meetings, or take action on women's rights issues. Membership is open to all supporters of women's equality. An active political advocacy network.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. League of Women Voters — Free

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan civic organization dedicated to encouraging informed political participation by women and all citizens. Local LWV leagues in every state host candidate forums, voter registration drives, and issue education events. Visit lwv.org to find your local league and access nonpartisan voter guides. The League advocates for voting rights, redistricting reform, and government transparency. Open to all regardless of gender. An excellent resource for women new to civic engagement.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. YWCA USA — Free

YWCA USA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women through local YWCAs in every state. Local branches offer emergency housing, childcare, job training, domestic violence services, and racial justice programming. Visit ywca.org to find your local YWCA and learn about available programs. Many YWCAs serve women of all backgrounds regardless of income. Services range from free emergency shelter to affordable fitness centers and professional development programs for women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Women's Funding Network — Free

The Women's Funding Network is a global coalition of women's foundations and funds that invest in solutions to women's and girls' issues nationwide. WFN members provide grants for programs addressing economic empowerment, reproductive rights, safety, and leadership. Visit womensfundingnetwork.org to find a women's foundation near you or to learn about grant opportunities for women-led organizations. A key resource for nonprofits and advocates working to improve women's lives at the community level.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Junior League — Free

The Junior League is an international women's organization with local chapters across the US dedicated to promoting voluntarism, developing women's leadership potential, and improving communities. Membership provides professional development training, community service opportunities, and a powerful network of civic-minded women. Visit ajli.org to find your nearest chapter and learn about membership. Chapters focus on issues like childhood literacy, women's health, and community resilience. Open to women 18 and older.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Soroptimist International — Free

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization for business and professional women that funds programs empowering women and girls through education, skills training, and safety initiatives. The Live Your Dream Awards provide education grants to women who are the primary financial support for their families. Local clubs in most US states hold fundraisers and deliver direct programs. Visit soroptimist.org to find a club near you or apply for a grant. Open to professional women of all industries.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. Zonta International — Free

Zonta International is a global service organization of professional women dedicated to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. Local Zonta clubs fund programs supporting women's education, safety, and economic empowerment. Programs include the Amelia Earhart Fellowship for women in aerospace engineering, and local initiatives addressing violence against women. Visit zonta.org to find a club near you. Membership open to professional women committed to gender equality and community service.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Louisiana?
Women's Corner tracks 17 verified women's programs resources for women in Louisiana.
Are women's programs resources in Louisiana free?
17 of the 17 listed women's programs resources in Louisiana are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Louisiana have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Harahan, Lafayette.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Louisiana?
Featured entries include Louisiana Women's Policy and Research Commission, YWCA Greater New Orleans, Dress for Success — New Orleans, Women's New Life Center — Baton Rouge, Junior League of New Orleans — Community Programs.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
9 of 17 Louisiana women's programs listings include verified phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.