Advertisement Inmates get second chance with 'Opportunity Now' program Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office presented its 11th class for its "Opportunity Now" society re-entry program for inmates Monday. There were 13 graduates during the ceremony Tuesday at the Leonard Robinet Mult-Purpose Room in LaPlace. Sheriff Mike Tregre congratulated the 13 graduates on their accomplishments in the program and encouraged them to work hard as they rebuild their lives. “This graduation is the first step to your second chance,” said Tregre. “I’m glad you have this second chance to do things right ... to do things better now. " Also on hand to commend the graduates were District 19 state Sen. Gary L. Smith Jr., District 57 state Rep. Randal Gaines, Assessor Lucien Gauff and pastor Gary Bolden and Opportunity Now Director Joe Lewis.The SJSO’s Opportunity Now program is a collaborative effort between the Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and the Louisiana Department of Corrections to provide work readiness, job placement and other self-sufficiency services to qualified inmates, Lewis said. Participants were required to successfully complete three months of intensive work readiness and life skills training. The courses are designed to help inmates make better choices and to cope with a variety of issues they may face upon re-entering society. Job placement and case management services are also mandated aspects of the SJSO Opportunity Now Re-entry Program.Lewis said the program teaches inmates basic skills to help them transition into main stream society and become productive members of society. “The staff is dedicated to helping these inmates so that when they return to their community they can succeed. Rehabilitation is much better than incarceration,” Tregre said. Smith offered encouraging words to the graduates. “I’m glad you have this fresh start,” Smith said. “You have the opportunity for a better life and to become a productive member of society.”