On Dec. 21, 1992, the Louisiana Secretary of State recognized the incorporation of the Louisiana Child Caring Foundation — the entity that eventually became the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.
In recognition of our 25th anniversary, we’re catching up with grantees, starting with our 23 classes of Angel Award honorees.
Tim Falcon of Marrero is the co-founder of Café Reconcile and Café Hope. The cafes provide at-risk youth from 17 to 24 years old in the Greater New Orleans area with hospitality job training and life skills classes.
Falcon said he was inspired by the lord to give back to the community and help kids who are having troubles by giving them skills that can change their lives.
Over the years, the restaurants have trained thousands of students and helped them find permanent employment.
When Falcon was honored with the Angel Award and grant in 2012, he put it toward the second nonprofit restaurant, Cafe Hope. The Cafe was established in 2010 to help more teens and young adults work towards becoming self-sufficient with fulfilling futures as valuable and contributing members of their community, Falcon said.
“The Angel Award was helpful and came when we were trying to get our feet on the ground,” Falcon said.