Supporting Children. Strengthening Families.
About Angels’ Place
For nearly three decades, Angels’ Place has supported children facing life-threatening illnesses and the families who care for them.
Our Story
A Promise That Became Angels’ Place
Angels’ Place was founded in 1997 by Anita Gilford. While her own son was in treatment for cancer, she found there were few places her family could turn to for help.
Being personally aware of this lack of support, she promised to dedicate her life to helping seriously ill children and their families. Her son won his fight against cancer, and Anita fulfilled her promise by creating Angels’ Place.
Why We’re Here
Support for the Whole Family
When a child has a life-threatening illness, it affects the whole family. Our respite volunteers are there to lend a hand at the hospital or around the house, and sometimes simply provide a shoulder to lean on.
Respite Service
Trained respite volunteers support children at the hospital or provide household aid to families free of charge.
Family Support
Families receive ongoing support throughout the year, including practical assistance and gift card programs.
Family Events
Spring Fling, Art for Angels, Halloween Booville and the annual Christmas gift drive create moments of joy together.
Connecting Families With Help
Working With Local Healthcare Partners
Angels’ Place receives client referrals through Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and Ochsner Health System, helping families connect with support when they need it.
Beyond Respite
Creating Joy Throughout the Year
Angels’ Place provides additional support to families through a gift card program and special family events.
The largest is the annual Christmas gift drive for the children of client families. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and donors, Angels’ Place makes sure families receive a little Christmas cheer, especially when a child must spend the holidays in the hospital.
We Couldn’t Do It Without Our Donors and Volunteers
The generosity of volunteers and donors makes Angels’ Place programs possible and helps families receive support at no cost.
Our Team
Angels’ Place Staff
Mark Firmin
Executive Director
Mary Kantlehner
Children’s Program Director
Kathryn Kloesel Firmin
Operations & Special Events Director
Leadership
Board of Directors
Dr. Kristopher Rappold
Audubon Dental Group
Lauren Checki
Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
Lori Waters
Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
Lane Arcana, CPA
Focus Automated Equities, LLC
Dr. Russell Russo
Orthopedic Surgeon
Chief of Staff NOEH Hospital
Dr. Jerussa Levy
Department of Pediatrics
LSU Health Sciences Center
Children’s Hospital
Dominick F Impastato III
Attorney at Law
Frischhertz Impastato
David Roddy
JPSO
Jon Addison
Lopez-Addison Therapy
Patrick Follette
Attorney at Law
Chehardy Sherman Williams Law Firm
Dr. Tracey Levens
Locums, Corrections & Emergency Physician
Community Guidance
Advisory Council
Nicole Ferrier
Public Relations & Event Planner
Greg Brenan
CPA, Hannis T Bourgeois
Ryan Boudreau
Epic Pharmacy
Cherie Gauthier
Gauthier Family Foundation
Dr. Jeff Surcouf
Neonatologist
Louisiana University Health Sciences Center
Children’s Hospital
Gordon Wadge
YMCA of Greater New Orleans
Erick Engelhardt
B.E.M. Promotions
Anthony Cortello
Provo Pizza Bar
GM – New York
Tyrone Hughes
Saints Hall of Famer
Jeff Traynham
Sui Generis Law
Rick Regan
Regan Law Firm
Geoff Clement Jr, RN
Clinical Business Lead
Humana Hospice VBID
Want Your Family to Be an Angels’ Place Family?
Learn more about eligibility and apply for support from Angels’ Place.