Our Story
Safe housing provided by safe people.
Pouring Out was born from lived experience and a heartfelt desire to offer support rather than turn a blind eye to struggles that are often overlooked or unaddressed. We believe every young person deserves a safe place to heal and a safe person to support them along the way. We exist to help fill that gap in the lives of unaccompanied youth and young adults in our community.
16+
Youth journey through healing in year one
8
Youth are welcomed with compassion by this years end
100%
Participants treated with dignity by staff and community supports
Our mission
We are a misson-driven organization committed to developing and strengthening affordable housing for future leaders and generations to come.
Grounded in compassion, safety, dignity, healing, and stability — and in connection to broader community supports — we create environments where youth and young adults can move beyond crisis, begin healing, and build secure, sustainable futures.
Harvey, Louisiana
How we got here
Pouring Out was founded in Jefferson Parish and will expand into Orleans and other surrounding parishes to help address the shortage of safe, affordable housing for unaccompanied youth and young adults. Having experienced firsthand the gap between income and the cost of living, the need to leave an unsafe home, and the challenges young adults face in finding and maintaining stable housing, our founder is deeply committed to developing and strengthening affordable, trauma-informed housing solutions.
The name reflects the idea of pouring out — giving generously from a spirit-filled heart rooted in gratitude — and the café represents a welcoming gathering place where community, connection, and collaboration flow. Pouring Out Café is rooted in a heart of service, trusting that as we pour into others, there is no limit to how God will grow and expand our reach.
Romans 5:3–5 says, “Let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character; and proven character, hope and confident assurance. Such hope never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Through all that our communities have endured — and whatever may come — there is hope: hope that does not disappoint. We endeavor to pour out into this community what has been poured into us, working alongside faith communities, neighbors, schools, local organizations, and other community partners to build sustainable futures together.
What we stand for
Compassion
We meet every person with empathy, care, and respect.
Safety
We foster environments that promote physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
Dignity
We honor the worth of every individual and uphold their humanity in all we do.
Healing
We believe housing is a foundation for restoration and healing.
Stability
We are committed to helping individuals build secure, sustainable futures.
The vessel behind the vision
Cynetra Ridgley
Founder & CEO
Cynetra was born and raised on the Westbank, affectionately known as the “Bestbank,” in the New Orleans area. She has spent more than a decade working with youth in a variety of settings, primarily through the church, before founding Pouring Out Café. She is driven by the belief that your past does not define you, nor does your lineage. A fresh START is available for everyone. Through Pouring Out, Cynetra is committed to providing unaccompanied youth and young adults with the resources and opportunities needed for a safe pathway to permanent, unsubsidized housing — without sacrificing the support needed for a sustainable future. Cynetra serves alongside her husband, Pastor Damon Ridgley, at Christ The Way Church in New Orleans. Together, they enjoy family life with their four children, seven grandchildren, and beloved pet tortoise. When they are not spending time with family, they enjoy making and listening to music and proudly defending their title as undefeated Spades champions.
Join us in this work
Whether you give, volunteer, or spread the word — you are part of what makes this possible.