The People Program

For over 50 years providing seniors with creative ways to enjoy community, learning, and staying active.
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Located in New Orleans, People Program is an educational non-profit founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph 50 years ago to provide seniors with creative ways to enjoy community, learning, and staying active.

People Program Offers 175+ Weekday Classes

In fall, spring, and summer sessions. All instructors are volunteers interested in sharing their knowledge in a relaxed atmosphere where community building is as essential as skill development. Typically, 425 participants enjoy themselves at People Program each semester.

Spring Class Schedule 2025

Classes are offered in person at our Eastbank and Westbank campuses and virtually by Zoom. Cost: For a flat membership fee of $200 per semester ($150 Zoom only), participants can take as many classes as they’d like because there is no charge for each individual class (i.e., no “per class” charge).

Sign-Up & Payment Instructions

Classes are offered in person at Lakeshore Drive location and on the Westbank. The fee for in person classes is $200.00 which covers as many classes as you wish to take. Online only classes are available through Zoom. The fee for online classes is $150.00 which covers as many classes as you wish to take.

You can filter classes by:

Location (Lakeshore/Westbank/Zoom)
Day of the Week (Level)
Preferred Instructor (Facilitator)

Click on a classs to learn more. While in the class view click the blue Enroll button.

Enroll in as many classes as you like!

Once you have selected all your classes, please Pay Here
Fees: $200.00 for in person / $150.00 for Zoom

We invite you to join us!

People Program’s mission aligns with Harvard’s 85-year Adult Development study, showing that personal connections are the most important factor in long-term health and happiness for seniors.

People Program Calendar

November 25-29

Thanksgiving Holidays

No Classes

December 2

Registration for Spring

Beginning – 9AM

December 12

Last Day of Classes

Fall Semester

January 21

Spring
Semester

Begins

March 3-7

Mardi Gras Holidays

No Classes

March 23

People Program Annual Gala

Join Us!

April 14-18

Easter
Holidays

No Classes

May 15

Last Day
of Classes

Spring Semester

Jan Martino’s Retirement

As you all have heard, our own Jan Martino has announced her retirement from People Program at the end of December. For 16 years, Jan has been a welcoming presence at the Lakeshore campus, and an integral part of People Program’s growth and success. Her unwavering commitment and contributions to the organization are extensive, but most significant are the lasting relationships Jan has fostered, and the positive impact she has had on our members and instructors, creating a sense of belonging, care, support and encouragement for all. Jan’s presence will surely be missed, but we wish her the best as she embarks on her next life chapter.

Please mark your calendars and join us at a farewell celebration for Jan at noon on December 12th at the Lakeshore campus.

Annual Giving

Each year, we invite all members of the People Program community to consider an annual giving gift to People Program. Funds raised through annual giving provide important unrestricted financial support to our operating budget, and allow People Program to better serve to its members, instructors, staff, and Board. A letter has recently been mailed to each of us, and we ask that all members of our community consider an annual giving gift to People Program that is meaningful to you and your family, regardless of gift amount. Your gift to People Program is tax-deductible, and foundations and other funders look at and consider how well our own members support us when making funding decisions. Please consider making your annual giving gift by check or credit card today!

Thankful For You!

The calendar is fast approaching Thanksgiving, and soon thereafter the end of the fall semester on Dec. 12th. As we enter this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, People Program is most thankful for each of YOU. Your loyalty and dedication to People Program makes our community vibrant and unique. We appreciate your support and thank you for all that you do in service to People Program.

Wishing you and your families the blessings of this Thanksgiving season!

Experience the People Programs Difference

With years of experience in senior health, a commitment to excellence, and a genuine passion for enhancing the lives of our seniors, the People Program stands as a trusted partner in the journey of aging gracefully.

Of Happy People

People Program has something for everyone

Photography, Poetry, Storytelling, Foreign Language, Piano, Guitar, Knitting, Financial Fitness, Writing Memoirs, Meditation, Stress Management, Genealogy, Biblical Studies, New Orleans Civil War History, Armchair Exercises, Fitness and Strength Training, Drawing & Painting, Thai Chi, Aerobics, Computer Instruction, Yoga and Chair Yoga, Internet and Tables, Friendship & Socializing, Table Tennis, Tap Dancing, Line Dancing, Quilting, Singing and Performance

Archives Committee Announcement

Goal: People Program has been a significant experience for many of us. Let’s ensure that future participants can access pictures, documents, and stories that vividly illustrate who we are and the enjoyment we’ve shared.

As People Program celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2024, the newly formed Archives Committee invites your participation in recreating pivotal moments from our rich history. Your assistance will contribute to capturing and preserving the essence of our journey over the past five decades

If you have pictures and memorabilia that you would like to donate, please contact us. If you do not want to part with your pictures, we can digitize them. Also, if you have vivid memories of past experiences that you’d like to share orally, we would love to record them.

Email Ann Sayas and the other committee members at archives@peopleprogram.org

"We are so delighted to join our fellow community members in activities provided by the People Project."

Sarah T – Daughter of active senior Billy Jean

"I am grateful to have a community oriented place to spend my active senior years. I'm having a great time meeting others my New Orleans home."

John M – Mid City

"My mother and father have found just what they needed. Other people that are like minded and share a sense of community. Some call it blessed, I call it a terrific."

Michelle Z., Daughter