2025 Proved That When We Invest In Our Clients, Lives Are Transformed.

Inaugural Culinary Program Graduation

Our newly launched Culinary Program culminated in early October with a joyous graduation ceremony. The graduating class, Calvanisha, Denise, Ke'Juan, and Robin, celebrated their accomplishments while receiving inspiring messages from Co-Executive Director Pastor Tyrone Smith, and State Representative Delisha Boyd. The graduates were encouraged to work hard and dream big. Each student left with the knowledge and skills to safely handle, prepare, and serve food. In addition to their ServSafe certifications and TWIC cards, which are providing them with greater and more advanced job opportunities. We are so proud of the graduates and can't wait to see all they accomplish!

The second cohort of the Culinary Program began in late October, providing the opportunity for more justice-impacted individuals to gain professional skills, build their resumes, and find sustainable wage employment.

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From Clients to Re-Entry Case Managers

The transition from a First 72+ client to a First 72+ staff member is an incredibly effective way of ensuring incoming clients feel understood and know they too can secure meaningful employment post-incarceration.

Kendrick

Kendrick initially came to The First 72+ in November 2024 as a client, and began working as a Re-Entry Case Manager in June 2025. 

He spoke at the start of the NOLA to Angola bike ride fundraiser, discussing how emotionally, physically, and financially taxing the trip can be for those visiting loved ones in Angola. Yet he explained it was those regular visits from his loved ones, like his Mom and Grandma that kept him going.

In November, Kendrick celebrated his one-year anniversary of coming home, after serving 31 years in Angola. His enthusiasm for life and desire to see justice-impacted individuals thrive is demonstrated in every interaction with his clients.

Marlon

In February 2022, Marlon came to The First 72+ as a transitional housing client. After building a stable foundation, he worked out of state for a few years.

Ultimately, Marlon returned to New Orleans and began working as a Re-Entry Case Manager in June 2025. 

In addition to daily client management, Marlon teaches the Life Skills classes for transitional housing residents and occasionally leads the 9 Steps to Staying Free classes, always advocating for healing and growth.  

He says of his work, “I get to see myself through every client. This work is personal; I’m the client and the coach.”

Kendrick and Marlon have been an invaluable addition to our team!

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The Fair Chances Job Fair

Obtaining employment remains one of the most significant barriers to formerly incarcerated people. In September, we co-hosted The Fair Chances Job Fair with VOTE and Disability Rights Louisiana to bring conviction-friendly employers and justice-impacted individuals together. While there, job seekers networked with employers and received resume assistance, headshots, and on-the-spot assistance applying for jobs. 

The fair illustrated how the entire community benefits when formerly incarcerated people gain employment and are not subjected to discrimination. On October 11, The Fair Chances Amendment passed in Orleans Parish, adding persons with conviction history to the protected classes in The New Orleans Bill of Rights. This is an important step towards creating more equitable access to employment and city services.

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Weekly Social-Emotional and Economic Empowerment Programming

Our weekly programming continues to provide clients with the resources to implement new behaviors and create sustainable changes.

The second cohort of Transformative Tuesdays began this summer. This class continues to work with clients to identify and develop strategies like resilience, self-worth, and leadership skills to build enriching and intentional lives.

Financial Thursdays beginning in July, continues to provide work readiness training and financial literacy tools. Including sessions hosted by Xplore Federal Credit Union, focusing on credit repair, budgeting, and saving for the future.

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Client Corner

‍Jason and Jouvail

In November, clients Jason and Jouvail graduated from the Re-Entry Court Program. After a years-long journey for both Jason and Jouvail, their dedication and hard work resulted in an emotional and rewarding day. Newly elected Clerk of Court, Calvin Duncan, also spoke, delivering a message full of heart and hope.

Throughout their journeys, they worked very closely with our Re-Entry Court Case Manager, Troy, and Judge Marcus DeLarge to receive guidance and support in building stable and successful lives. 

Jason and Jouvail also participated in the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment programming, and both continue to have long-term employment. Congratulations, Jason and Jouvail!

Ronday

Ronday began his re-entry journey in September 2024 after being in and out of the prison system for 34 years. Upon his release, he was experiencing homelessness and came to The First 72+ for services.

From the initial conversation with his Re-Entry Case Manager, Eric, who told him, "I got you brother," Ronday felt supported. He became a transitional housing resident and said during this period, "they [The First 72+] gave me the time to get myself together." While a resident, he enrolled in the Thrive training program, receiving multiple workforce credentials. 

Ronday now has stable employment and secured permanent housing with support from The First 72+. He has established a re-entry path full of opportunity and when he can, he continues to attend the 9 Steps to Staying Free classes to remind himself of all that he can achieve. We are always so excited to get life updates from Ronday when he visits The First 72+.

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Stepping in to Fill the Gap

In late October, the Us Helping Us Food Drive was launched to supplement the pause and ultimate reduction in November SNAP benefits. Our clients rely heavily on SNAP benefits to feed their families, and The First 72+ community came together to support them. We received over 800 food items in addition to hygiene products, providing us with client necessities for December as well. Thank you, First 72+ community!

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Crescent City ID Pop-Up

In early December, we partnered with the City of New Orleans to get Crescent City IDs for our clients. This event resulted in over 20 clients obtaining IDs. 

This official photo ID of New Orleans is free and can list medical conditions, emergency contacts, preferred languages, as well as serves as a NORD Rec Trac and library card. Our next Crescent City ID pop-up will take place in January and is open to the public. 

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The Gratitude Lunch

The Gratitude Lunch, November 19, was a special, holiday-themed meal to thank our clients for continuing to trust The First 72+ in assisting them, and to spread holiday joy. Delicious food was served, and each client received a backpack of essentials to take with them. 

Dr. Bernell Elzey facilitated this lunch, discussing managing grief and feelings of loneliness during the holiday season. He provided actionable steps to take when experiencing these emotions and resources to utilize during this delicate time.

Today, December 17, we will be hosting our Celebration of the Season Meal, a similar end-of-year lunch for our clients. We know a traditional holiday experience is not possible for many individuals beginning their re-entry journeys, and we want to ensure every person feels valued and included this holiday season.

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First 72+ Community

Thank you for your continued support this holiday season. Giving Tuesday was a success, and it is through your generosity and commitment to our clients that we continue to support justice-impacted individuals and ensure they receive all the support they deserve.