We engage with community partners, volunteers, donors, state and local officials to improve the lives of anyone touched by the criminal justice system.
“God is in everyone’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else—God is in this person’s life.” Pope Francis
- One out of every 86 adults in Louisiana is behind bars—more than any other state or country in the world.
- Of the 15,000 released each year from Louisiana prisons, 50% will return to prison within 5 years.
Our Work
We engage with community partners, volunteers, donors, state and local officials to improve the lives of anyone touched by the criminal justice system. We do this by providing …
- Joseph Homes, a transitional housing program that helps homeless men successfully re-enter society after prison.
- Counseling and providing donated clothing, food and hygiene products for men and women recently released from prison.
- Support for families of prisoners.
- Engaging volunteers to minister to men and women incarcerated in our diocese and partner with officials to prepare inmates for success after release.
- We advocate for legislation to improve the criminal justice system.
Our Impact
- Last year, Joseph Homes served 40 men by assisting them to start a new path after incarceration.
- Joseph Homes graduates are five times less likely than other ex-offenders in Louisiana to return to prison. 85% leave with a job, and 70% establish a household.
- We advocated for fair long distance rates families are charged when an inmate calls them, sentencing guidelines and other criminal justice reform measures.
Resources
- Volunteer at Joseph Homes. Cook a meal for the support group. Mentor a resident. Teach a skill. Offer a job.
- Make a donation of cash
