Testimonials
See how we're making a difference.
I’ve gotten a lot of assistance—going to the doctors, going to the social security office, setting up appointments, applying for jobs. There’s a big difference between how you do things today, and how we used to do things. I grew up here in New Orleans, but you have to relearn so many things when you come home from prison. It’s been really helpful to transition to practice keeping up your own household, and interacting with people, and working on a lot of helpful skills.
-Wayne
"When I was released in December of 2016, I came straight to the First 72+. Ever since that day I have received nothing but love, support, care, and consideration from everyone here. I got help with getting my state ID and Medicaid. I got set up with STRIVE. I got help operating my phone and sending emails, and I lived here for 6 months and was able to save some money so I could rent my first apartment, even my first job came as a result of the First 72+."
- Troy
“Man I love the 72+. They treat me like family and I appreciate everything they do for me. When I come here, I can be open and I can talk with them like my family. A lot of my family is gone and they’re my family now. I tell a lot of people about the First 72+. Everyone that’s in the community is going through something too, or they’ve been where I’ve been, and now we’re all out here together.”
- William
“It was just last year that I walked out of the prison gates at Angola with nothing but a few personal items and a one way bus ticket to New Orleans. I grew up in Shreveport, and was moving to a completely new city. The First 72+ helped me find housing, medical, legal and job placement services. Upon arrival I was embraced by so many and welcomed with open arms. Now I’m working two jobs now, I have my own car, I got my TWIC card."
- Wayne
Our Reentry Legal Clinic helped AJ resolve a nearly 8 year old "ghost warrant" that was left in the system in error, and had led to his rearrest numerous times.
