At this year's ESSENCE Festival of Culture, The LOHM Founder & CEO, Dr. Topeka K. Sam helped shape conversations on some of the most pressing issues facing our communities.
Watch Full Panel Video on Women's Health and Wellness
She also attended the Future of Health Awards Dinner, where EPIC Health served as a sponsor, celebrating innovation and leadership in advancing health equity.
Later in the festival, Dr. Sam moderated "Unlocking the Vote for People Who Are Justice Impacted," leading a conversation focused on voting rights, civic engagement, and the importance of ensuring justice-impacted people have the information and tools to participate in our democracy.
From health equity to civic participation, ESSENCE Festival provided another opportunity for LOHM to elevate the voices of justice-impacted people and advance solutions that create stronger, healthier communities.
Watch Full Panel Video on Unlocking the Vote for People Who are Justice Impacted
Strengthening the team behind the Mission housing training in NOLA
At LOHM, investing in our team means investing in the people we serve.
This month, our Housing Team came together for its annual staff training; an opportunity to strengthen skills, deepen collaboration, and recommit to delivering compassionate, person-centered care to individuals and families on their journey toward housing stability.
Under the leadership of Housing Director Demetrice Morris, whose dedication and commitment to excellence continue to elevate our housing program, the team has built a culture of collaboration, accountability, and impact. Following consecutive staff recognitions from UNITY of Greater New Orleans and Demetrice's own leadership in guiding the program's continued growth, this year's training reinforced the values that have become the foundation of LOHM Housing's success.
Together, our team left equipped with new tools, renewed purpose, and a shared commitment to providing every client with the dignity, excellence, and compassion they deserve.
Freedom Lam x LOHM:
Legal Clinic in Miami
This month, LOHM welcomed community members to The Freedom Lab in Miami for a free Legal Clinic & Community Fair, connecting individuals and families with legal support, healthcare resources, workforce opportunities, and essential community services—all under one roof.
Led by Pathway 4 Equity Director Judith Negron and Rapid Rehousing Case Manager, Dr. Alina Feas, the clinic brought together trusted partners committed to removing barriers and expanding access to justice, healing, and opportunity. From legal consultations and record sealing support to health and workforce resources, the event reflected LOHM's belief that everyone deserves access to the tools and support needed to move forward.
Where Hope lives NOLA Hope House has a new mural
Healing isn't just something we talk about, it's something we intentionally create.
This month, our NOLA Hope House welcomed a beautiful new mural, hand-painted by Pathway 4 Equity Director Judith Negron. More than artwork, the mural transforms a shared space into a daily reminder of the hope, resilience, and new beginnings that define our mission.
The mural reflects the journey so many of our participants are on as they rebuild their lives and step into new possibilities.
Every person who walks through the doors of Hope House deserves to feel seen, valued, and inspired. Thanks to Judith's creativity and heart, our walls now tell that story before a single word is spoken.
Make an impact
A Mother's Love Knows No Distance
For Angelia Miller, home is nearly 14 hours away. The last time she was able to embrace her children was in November 2022. Like so many incarcerated parents, the cost of travel has made precious moments with family feel out of reach. Yet through years of separation, Angelia has remained a source of love, encouragement, and strength for her children and grandchildren.
Through LOHM's Visit Mama Campaign, families like Angelia's are reunited across prison walls, creating moments of healing that no phone call or letter can replace. Your support helps remove one of the greatest barriers to connection, the cost of getting there and reminds mothers like Angelia that they are seen, valued, and never forgotten.
Every gift helps bring another family back together.