July 15, 2021, was Freddie’s first day of freedom in 33 years and it was a day that he will never forget. But it was extra special for our staff as well because he was Parole Project’s 200th client. There wasn’t time to mark the occasion with balloons or fanfare but the number is truly a benchmark for our organization.
It’s a time to reflect on our growth, our effectiveness, and our family of Parole Project clients as we challenge ourselves to develop new and better ways to serve our clients and help them reach their full potential. Parole Project is proud of the work we have done to remove barriers that strip dignity and inhibit opportunities for our clients. We are confident that our organization is helping formerly incarcerated people to become productive members of our communities. Our work—advocacy, representation, transitional housing and reentry programming and services will continue on and we will be here to welcome the next 200 persons who have received their second chance. As long as there is a need, Parole Project will be here to help deserving individuals who have served long prison sentences. We believe in the human potential for change. We believe in removing barriers that strip dignity and inhibit opportunities for formerly incarcerated people to become productive members of our communities. We believe in successful reentry that restores lives, repairs families, improves communities, and saves taxpayer money. We believe our clients are shining examples of criminal justice reform and reinvestment in Louisiana.
