LAPRI – United Way of Acadiana

Reentry coalition

United Way of Acadiana’s PRI goal is to bolster public safety by executing a seamless strategy of support and monitoring tailored to each offender through cooperation between state and local entities, spanning from the point of their incarceration to their transition, reintegration, and aftercare within the community.

Promoting conversations, partnerships, and events centered around reentry initiatives.
Organizing efforts to meet the needs of human services.
Collaborating with community partners to collectively address challenges.
Increasing awareness and advocating for services to ensure a successful re-entry journey.

By focusing on successful prisoner reentry and promoting employment and health, LA-PRI aims to create safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities in the Acadiana. When individuals have the necessary support and resources to reintegrate successfully, the overall community benefits. Reduced recidivism rates mean increased public safety, while individuals who can secure employment and lead healthier lives are more likely to positively contribute to their communities.

Almost 50,000 people a year enter homeless shelters immediately after exiting incarceration. Returning from jail, prison or juvenile detention places an immediate barrier to stable housing and employment.

#1

state ranking for imprisonment rate

1/3

of individuals released from prison will return within one year

75%

of formerly incarcerated individuals are still jobless up to a year after release

Implementation Steering Team

The Implementation Steering Team brings together representatives of legal services district attorneys, law enforcement, community-based organizations, businesses, community leaders, faith-based organizations, victim advocates, Lived Experienced, and other stakeholders to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration.

The IST is led by a co-chair from each phase:

Through collaboration and the exchange of specialized knowledge, the Implementation Steering Team (IST) strives to establish a reentry process that is smoother and more efficient. Within the steering team, each specific focus area is guided by a Subject Matter Expert in that domain. These experts lead subcommittees dedicated to consolidating information, locating resources, and developing plans for service delivery within their respective areas.

IST AREAS OF FOCUS:

Housing
Employment and Vocational Training
Education/Higher Education
Healthcare
Mental Health/Addiction Support
Transportation
Family and Child Welfare Services/Family Reunification

Steering Team Committee

Holly Howat: IST Co-Chair – Beacon Community Connections
Laura Smith: IST Probation and Parole Co-Chair, Re-Entry Program Manager – Lafayette District Office Probation and Parole
Jeri Mestayer: IST Probation and Parole Co-Chair Reentry Program Manager – New Iberia District Office Probation and Parole
Jessica Hall: IST Reentry Facility Supervisor
Marissa Winters: IST Community Co-Chair New Iberia District – United Way of Acadiana
Micah Nicholas: IST Community Co-Chair New Iberia District – Capital West Red Cross

Community Partners

Beacon Community Connections
Lafayette Parish Probation and Parole
United Way of Acadiana
Acadiana Workforce Commission
LEDA
CASA of SoLA
Voice of the Experienced (VOTE)
Acadiana Legal Services
VITA (Volunteer Instructors Teaching Adults)
Second Harvest Food Bank
Lafayette Reentry Center
The Extra Mile
Pelican Credit Union
Lafayette City Government
The Family Tree
FFLIC (Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children)
The House of Freedom Church
SoLAcc (South Louisiana Community College

And more…

LA-REC

The Lafayette District Reentry Coalition in 15th JDC, serves Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion parishes, uniting community partners, social services, and members to support successful reintegration of individuals into society after incarceration. Its purpose is to provide resources, guidance, and support to facilitate a smooth transition, reduce recidivism, and promote community safety and wellness.

Learn More

16th JDC

The New Iberia District Reentry Coalitions in 16th JDC serves Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary parishes. It unites partners, social services, and members to aid successful reintegration post-incarceration, providing resources, guidance, and support to reduce recidivism and enhance community safety and wellness.

Learn More