Northshore businessman and philanthropist Steve Tujague, founder of the IJN Foundation (In Jesus’ Name), is receiving national acclaim for his support and advocacy in Louisiana’s fight against child abuse and trafficking, and specifically his financial impact within the local and statewide Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) movement.
Tujague will receive the “Community Philanthropy Leadership Award” at the 2024 National Children’s Alliance Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. on June 3rd. Selected from numerous nominations across 1,100 Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide, Tujague is one of only eight award recipients to be honored at this year’s event. These individuals represent the CAC movement’s most innovative leaders, dedicated champions and devoted volunteers.
Following a successful and fulfilling career, Tujague felt a greater calling to serve his community as he stepped into retirement. He and his family established The IJN Foundation (In Jesus’ Name) to empower organizations across Southeast Louisiana, focusing on initiatives such as child exploitation justice and recovery, human trafficking prevention, and mentorship programs.
Over the last seven years, Tujague has contributed over $1.5 million to CACs across Louisiana and the state chapter – all given In Jesus’ Name. More than $1.15 million of that contribution was given to Children’s Advocacy Center – Hope House, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.
Tujague’s efforts have resulted in incredible growth, development, and most importantly, positive outcomes of justice and recovery for child abuse victims across the state, and particularly the Northshore.
