Iggie’s House is about finding a “place” – an emotional place of confidence and self-empowerment- where you can share and where you are nurtured. A place where you can access information; connect with mentors and like minds. A place you can feel safe to express your thoughts raise questions and get advice in the pursuit of your education and career path while bettering your community.
Launched in October 2008, Iggie’s House Inc. A Nia Renee Foundation is a 501 (3) non-profit organization created in remembrance of Nia Renee Robertson who was murdered in a senseless killing. Iggie’s House Inc. assists students in the Greater New Orleans area, not only financially through scholarships but also by providing guidance by connecting students with mentors in their respective fields.
Marvel Robertson started the foundation in hopes to keep Nia’s spirit alive. She and her fellow board members have worked endlessly to assist students and young adults in gaining the same opportunities her daughter had. Nia is often described by many as having a Graceful spirit, a Giving heart and a Beautiful soul. Those are the qualities that any applicant should posses.
Iggie’s House Inc. provides a $1200 scholarship to a deserving student attending any high school in the Greater New Orleans area. The foundation has awarded over $12,000 to date and recipients have gone on to several universities and some have even completed college and moved into their career field.
The Mission of Iggie’s House is to help students develop leadership skills, build confidence and engage in collective endeavors toward the betterment of their community and encourage communication and dialogue among young people of all races and cultures.
Iggie’s House goals are to provide an annual scholarship to financially deserving students in need; and to promote diversity through communications by creating cross-cultural experiences within youth o the community. The dynamics of our communities are forever changing and the foundation strives to do their part to help produce individuals who can adapt to these changes. This includes understanding other cultures and creating a dialogue for students to gain knowledge about how to properly connect with one another.
The name Iggie’s House chosen for the foundation as it was one of Nia’s favorite childhood books by author Judy Bloom. The book is centered around the friendship of a young girl named Winnie, whose best friend Iggie has moved away. A new family moves into Iggie’s house who are the first black people in the neighborhood. While Winnie is quick to make friends with the new kids, she realizes that some people, possibly including her own parents, have trouble seeing past a person’s color.