April 2021 NEWSLETTER
Parole Project Opens Second Women's House The living room of the new women's house is filled with cozy leather recliners and pillows. It's a perfect place to relax with roommates while streaming movies. The picture window allows an abundance of natural afternoon light into the room. Parole Project opened the doors of our seventh transition house in early April. The property, acquired through a grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, houses women who have served long prison sentences and are in need of transitional support. The new accommodation is providing much more than just a roof over their heads.
Comfortably housing up to four people, the three-bedroom Redemption Home has 1,774 sq. ft. of living space and is the largest of Parole Project's houses. Tucked away in a South Baton Rouge neighborhood with easy access to public transportation, stores, services, and walking and bike trails, the home will serve the unique needs of formerly incarcerated women who are rebuilding their lives.
Like all Redemption Homes, clients move in to find the rooms are completely furnished, the kitchen pantry is stocked, high speed internet has been installed, and the interior thoughtfully decorated. The most valuable part of the house, however, is nothing you will ever read about in a real estate report and it is something that formerly incarcerated women rarely experience: a support system.
Peer support is a crucial element of Parole Project’s successful intensive reintegration program and it comes in many forms—through coaching and interaction with staff members who encourage family reunification, participation in civic and faith-based organizations, and facilitating socially positive relationships between the women living in the home and the community. Clients are also provided instruction by business, education, wellness and other professionals.
Uniquely qualified to understand the specific challenges of reentering society after long-term incarceration, Redemption Home roommates are an additional source of encouragement and accountability for the residents because they share similar experiences. For clients who have little or no family or friends in the community after spending decades in prison, the support system this home provides is unmatched.
For women, the post-incarceration experience is often fraught with barriers unique to their experiences and their needs can be more challenging than their male counterparts. Employment is less likely to be full-time and there additional obstacles when it comes to securing safe, affordable, permanent housing. Formerly incarcerated women have homelessness rates that are 35 percent higher than formerly incarcerated men.
This transition home provides a bridge to the future and, through the Parole Project program, a foundation for successful reintegration. It is a place that instills a sense of security and allows clients to gain confidence, discover strengths, and develop effective coping and daily living skills. Most of all, it is a place these women can call home until the day they outgrow it and move on to live their independent lives. Redemption Homes ladies can cook and spend time with one another in the spacious kitchen featuring a large island One of two single occupancy rooms on the second floor of our new Redemption Home for Women
CHRIS TIMON: ON THE FAST TRACK Parole Project client Chris Timon double checks a parts list before assigning the repair to his crew of collision repair technicians at a Baton Rouge automotive dealership. Chris Timon moves at high speed, but it is not just because he works on cars. Timon is blasting past milestones and collecting achievements at a dizzying pace. Seriously, this man is really moving. After being granted parole in December 2020, he participated in Parole Project's intensive reintegration program. Upon completion he quickly accepted a position as a project manager at Gerry Lane Chevrolet Collision Center. It is a gig he had been lining up a year before his release, surely due to his skill and reputation as a hard working and talented technician. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Chris's career was derailed by a life sentence at the age of 22. While incarcerated in Angola, he was determined to continue his commitment to hard work. Chris held several jobs while incarcerated, his longest employment lasting over eight years at the state police motor pool body shop. His work ethic and technical skills easily shined through. “I’ve been working on cars since I was about 17 years old,” said Timon. “It’s one of those trades that once you get into it, you just keep going. Here I am 30 years later doing the same thing.”
As a project manager Chris has many responsibilities. In his words, “It’s just really pushing the jobs through the shop, making sure we have the parts for the cars, quality control, customer service. I deal with a lot of different things. I’m responsible for all the technicians and the quality of work they do.”
In just four short months, Chris has made huge strides adjusting to life outside of prison. He credits Parole Project with removing obstacles that has allowed him to achieve what he has thus far. “They helped me set up a bank account, and it has enabled me to save up a lot of money,” he said. “Everything was set up for me. They don’t drop you out on the street; they give you an opportunity to reach up.”
Among the things that Timon has saved up for is his new car. “I saved up everything I made in that first month and and now I have reliable transportation," he said. ”It is a great feeling.“
Chris, now 48, appreciates each day of his second chance and is content with the progress he has made thus far. Now living in his own apartment, he is considering his future. "I’ll stay in this apartment a little while, it is all I need at the moment." His goal is to become a homeowner. "Eventually I’ll buy a house. You kind of have to take baby steps. You don’t want to get financially strapped in credit card debt and everything else you can think of.”
He may live in his new city forever, or he may not. But Timon says now that he has a second chance, he gets to choose. He is mindful that his life changes have put him on a track to success. "If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got,” he said. You get a fresh start, you get to start all over. You have got to turn to the next chapter of the book. ”
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Email Ashleigh to arrange for drop off or pick up MEET OUR NEWEST CLIENTS When John was 16, he was given a life without parole sentence. After more than 42 years in prison, he received his second chance. John reminds us that children should never be disposable. Eugene received his second chance after 35 years in prison. While incarcerated he taught masonry to other prisoners. We have no doubt Eugene will continue to be a builder for his community. After 45 years in prison, Michael received his second chance. “I just want to help people. I want to feel like I’m helping my community.” Michael has much to offer and we look forward to helping him rebuild his life. While incarcerated Wayne became a certified mentor, served on the inmate counsel and gained experience as a carpenter and paralegal. Now that he has his freedom, W.ayne is sure to become a productive citizen in his community. Pat was just 20 years old when he received a life sentence. Throughout his incarceration Pat worked diligently and gained a reputation as a trustworthy and talented craftsman. After 40 years he received his second chance. After 22 years of incarceration Roger is looking forward to spending time with his fiancee and rebuilding his relationships with family. Roger is excited about starting work at a fabrication company and using his skills as a heavy equipment operator. Aaron was sentenced to life without parole at the age of 17. Recognizing Aaron's maturity and rehabilitation, the Parole Board found that he was deserving of a second chance and he was granted parole after 39 years in prison. When he was 17, Harold was sentenced to 55 years in prison - a virtual life sentence. Thanks to recent justice reforms, he was given a second look. Based on his demonstrated maturity & growth, Harold was granted parole. He is another example of good policy meeting rehabilitation. Check out our past newsletters! Newsletter by Ashleigh Dowden, Administrative Manager Joshua Hermanstorfer LSU Intern Spring 2021 |