Serving NOLA Youth Since 2009
K4K in Harmony
(Koats4Kids)
Our Mission
Koats4Kids empowers system-impacted youth —including those facing incarceration, trafficking, homelessness, and substance use—through music. Offering songwriting, music performance education, and collecting coats, K4K nurtures self-expression, healing, and personal growth.
Our Initiatives
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Coat Collection & Distribution
What began as an annual coat drive concert with Ellis Marsalis now continues to thrive today: we collect and distribute warm coats to youth in need.
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Songwriting Class
Youth write and perform original songs, transforming lived experience into powerful self-expression and healing.
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Music Performance Education
Our newest initiative is hands-on lessons that build musical skills, confidence, and connection in a supportive environment.
More about us
For 16 years, K4K In Harmony (FKA Dr. Ko's Coats for Kids) has unified the community through coat collection. Now our focus also includes 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!
Our focus is to provide well-rounded and accessible music education to all students—especially those affected by systemic barriers or who are underserved and underrepresented in their community. Through the dedication, humility, and commitment of our passionate community members, we not only teach music but also empower youth to contribute to a more equitable, diverse, and sound society.
