As we move into 2024, we reflect on the work of the past year and celebrate the lives changed, families restored, and communities positively impacted. The most obvious example of our work can be seen in the number of clients we served. Since 2016, Parole Project has served more clients each year than the previous year. In 2023, 171 clients came through our program – a 50 percent increase from the 113 clients in 2022. During 2023 we also eclipsed the 500th client served since our inception – finishing the year with a total of 525.
In addition to the numbers, we also introduced three new initiatives designed to better meet the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals and enhance their successful reentry. The Employment Enhancement Program took root and we have begun building a prison-to-workforce pipeline. We also began the first phase of our Restoration Project, which is enriching a local community and providing a pathway to homeownership for formerly incarcerated individuals. Lastly, through a federal grant, we are developing the framework for the Reentry Health Initiative that will allow us to expand our clients’ access to healthy living.
Our organization also grew and changed in other areas during 2023. We moved into our new office in March – improving our capacity for expanded services. With a public-facing “storefront” on Third Street, we also gained new opportunities for community exposure in downtown Baton Rouge. Our new office also played a role in another major milestone – our performance during the annual 225GIVES competition. With donations totaling over $97,000, we finished as one of the top fundraising organizations in Baton Rouge.
