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$175K awarded to Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office to support re-entry of formerly incarcerated
By Raeven Poole,
2024-06-21
NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — A grant designed to finance re-entry and reunification programs for individuals returning home after incarceration has been awarded to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On Friday, June 21, OPSO Sheriff Susan Hutson, joined by Congressman Troy Carter, accepted the $175,000 award with the hopes of providing comprehensive reintegration support “to limit the return rates and empower people to lead productive and fulfilling lives outside of the criminal justice system.”
“Since OSPO does not control when residents enter or leave the facility, we want to ensure that while in our custody they have all the support needed, including a robust re-entry plan at the time they are released, to ensure they don’t commit new crimes,” said Hutson.
OPSO officials said that in 2023, Carter’s efforts earned the sheriff’s office a $3.9 million grant to support reentry programs. The money allowed them to award $2 million in subgrants to organizations helping with reintegration efforts such as vocational training, education courses, therapeutic support and work opportunities.
Carter calls the grant program a beacon of hope.
“As we formally announce the grant recipients, we recognize the tremendous impact these funds will have. They are not just dollars and cents; they are investments in human potential, tools for change, and symbols of the belief in second chances and new beginnings,” said Carter.
Statistics state that on average, inmates at the Orleans Justice Center have been in custody at least eight times before and that children with incarcerated parents are also likely to be incarcerated.
Hutson says to break the cycle, they have to invest in the community and people.
“This is why we are focused on facilitating access to the resources people want and need. Every day, we see the consequences of failing to invest in the lives and futures of people and communities affected by the criminal justice system. This is why we are investing directly in the organizations on the ground doing this important work,” said Hutson.
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