Serving NOLA Youth Since 2009
Koats4Kids In Harmony
Koats4Kids
In Harmony
Koats4Kids empowers system-impacted youth—including those facing incarceration, trafficking, homelessness, and substance use—through music. Offering songwriting and instrumental instruction, K4K nurtures self-expression, healing, and personal growth. What began as a coat drive concert with Ellis Marsalis now thrives as a nonprofit rooted in musical resilience.
Learn how you can join us!
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Donate And make a difference
It only takes $25 to donate a coat and help a child stay warm during the winter!
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Help Us Keep Kids Warm
Donating multiple coats is a wonderful act of generosity that can have a significant impact on these children!
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Together We Can Change Lives
Supporting an at-risk juvenile musical rehab program with a $100 donation will also have a meaningful and positive impact!
More about us
For 15 years, Koats for Kids (FKA Dr. Ko's Coats for Kids) has unified the community through coat collections and songwriting programs for system impacted youth, led by New Orleans cultural bearers. It's more than just about coats ; it's about fostering togetherness, as emphasized by our late co-host, Mr. Ellis Marsalis.
We've made a significant impact, collecting over 3,800 coats for underserved children!
As a newly established non- profit organization, our mission includes songwriting programs for system-impacted youth aiming to promote restorative character development and facilitate their successful transition into society. Through our artistry and dedication, we'll enhance our community's equity, diversity, beauty, and safety!
Meet our board members!
Dr. Jee-Yeoun Ko
Founder & ED of Koats for Kids
XULA Music Professor
Jeffrey Kuo MD, MMM
System Chair of Patient Flow and EMS at Ochsner Health System
Amelie Karas
K4K Junior Krewe Leader, Loyola Music Industry Studies B.S. Junior Major
Katrina Nyun
Xavier Pharmacy Prof.
Judge Kern Reese
Orleans Parish Civil District Court
Daniel Taylor
President of Koats for Kids
Senior Architect at Atkins North America
Arlene T. McCarthy
Ethics & Compliance Attorney
OUR advisory commitee:
Brittany Singleton
Xavier Pharmacy Prof.
Hoang Nguyen
Ochsner ER nurse
Jan Kosofsky
Former ED at CAHSD
Jason Williamson
Safety and training Specialist, Mississippi Power