| Louisiana Parole Project hosted our second annual Redemption Luncheon on Tuesday, August 30, at the Renaissance Hotel with nearly 350 community leaders, donors, legislators, and clients in attendance. The event focused on the idea of supportive communities and that our clients’ successes are everyone’s successes. The program provided an opportunity for attendees to get a firsthand view of our organization’s impact, meet clients, and watch a video featuring the experiences of both clients and supporters. |
| Speaking From Experience — Don Allison, treasurer of the board of directors, is a crime victim who was shot and robbed 26 years ago. He shared his personal story of forgiveness and advocacy for second chances. Twenty years after their encounter, at his assailant’s first parole hearing, Don passionately opposed the release of the man who brought tremendous pain to him and his family. But because of his deep faith he began to question whether his stance reflected his church’s teachings. After praying for guidance, Don reached out to learn more about the man. He wanted to know about his journey, his growth, and who he had become during his time in prison. Don learned that the man had expressed sincere regret, found God, and wanted to prove that he was truly sorry for his actions. After learning that his assailant was being considered as a Parole Project client, Don contacted Executive Director Andrew Hundley, whom he was referred to by the corrections department’s Victim-Offender Dialogue program. He shared his concerns with Andrew: “Is this man legit or just a good salesman? How do I know he’s not just faking it to get out of prison?” Andrew had not yet met with the man but said that if he was disingenuous, “I’ll know.” Those were calming words for Don’s anxieties and he felt confident in Andrew’s judgement. The next step for Don was a face-to-face meeting, a highly emotional encounter for both. Don told the man who shot and robbed him all those years ago, “I forgive you and I will make sure that you will get a second chance.” Following through on his word, Don stood in front of the parole board six weeks later and passionately advocated for his offender to be released — a decision he has never regretted. The man had genuinely changed his life and, with Don’s support and Parole Project’s help, was given his freedom. |
Louisiana Parole Project hosted our second annual Redemption Luncheon on Tuesday, August 30, at the Renaissance Hotel with nearly 350 community leaders, donors, legislators, and clients in attendance. The event focused on the idea of supportive communities and that our clients’ successes are everyone’s successes. The program provided an opportunity for attendees to get a firsthand view of our organization’s impact, meet clients, and watch a video featuring the experiences of both clients and supporters.
Speaking From Experience
Don Allison, treasurer of the board of directors, is a crime victim who was shot and robbed 26 years ago. He shared his personal story of forgiveness and advocacy for second chances.
Twenty years after their encounter, at his assailant’s first parole hearing, Don passionately opposed the release of the man who brought tremendous pain to him and his family. But because of his deep faith he began to question whether his stance reflected his church’s teachings. After praying for guidance, Don reached out to learn more about the man. He wanted to know about his journey, his growth, and who he had become during his time in prison. Don learned that the man had expressed sincere regret, found God, and wanted to prove that he was truly sorry for his actions.
After learning that his assailant was being considered as a Parole Project client, Don contacted Executive Director Andrew Hundley, whom he was referred to by the corrections department’s Victim-Offender Dialogue program. He shared his concerns with Andrew: “Is this man legit or just a good salesman? How do I know he’s not just faking it to get out of prison?”
Andrew had not yet met with the man but said that if he was disingenuous, “I’ll know.” Those were calming words for Don’s anxieties and he felt confident in Andrew’s judgement. The next step for Don was a face-to-face meeting, a highly emotional encounter for both. Don told the man who shot and robbed him all those years ago, “I forgive you and I will make sure that you will get a second chance.”
Following through on his word, Don stood in front of the parole board six weeks later and passionately advocated for his offender to be released — a decision he has never regretted. The man had genuinely changed his life and, with Don’s support and Parole Project’s help, was given his freedom.
Believe in Second Chances
Jadaw Lawrence got a second chance just over a year ago. He is a Parole Project client and current express service advisor for a major auto dealership who made some poor choices when he was younger that resulted in a 49 ½ year sentence. He gave a moving testimony about his journey and how he has used his second chance.
Jadaw recalled a conversation with one of his mentors while he was still incarcerated. When his mentor asked if he knew where he wanted to be with his life in five years, Jadaw quickly responded yes. His mentor followed by asking, “are you living your life right now to get there?,” a question that left Jadaw speechless. It was the moment that sparked his desire to do everything he could to achieve his goals. During his incarceration, Jadaw participated in and led numerous rehabilitative programs, earning several vocational certifications along the way.
Jadaw was granted parole on June 7, 2021. Soon after he landed a job at Gerry Lane Chevrolet. Within months, due to his strong work ethic and ability, he earned a promotion to manager of the express service department.
“Parole Project breathes life and hope back into people who otherwise would not have it,” Jadaw told the audience. He added that the organization is exceptional at teaching skills and providing tools for people to not only be able to reenter society, but to be high-functioning, exceptional members of their communities. Jadaw’s story, like those of other Parole Project clients, is proof that people can and do make the most of their second chances.
The luncheon ended with Nancy Roberts, board vice president and Redemption Luncheon chair, making a call-to-action for supporters of Parole Project’s mission to donate. All funds raised support Parole Project’s mission to enhance public safety through advocacy, programming, and services for persons who have served long prison sentences so that they may reach their full potential. We are grateful for everyone who attended and donated because they believe in second chances. Thank you for helping to change lives.
