Prison populations across the country are filled with a disparate number of African-Americans, and Louisiana boasts some of the nation’s most gaudy stats on blacks in the penal system. There’s always a pointed focus on how to keep black folks out of jail, but who answers the call for those preparing to re-enter society?

The Southern Agricultural Research and Extension Center offers a re-entry program for female inmates just months away from release. The program offers counseling in anger management, addiction, and job skill development.

(Second Chance Program Coordinator Tiffany) Franklin, along with Delores Johnson and Milissia John-Baptiste of the SU Ag Center conduct the SC2R program every Tuesday at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison women’s facility. Together, they use a team-teaching approach to capture and maintain the attention of the inmates. The team addresses family, social, health, environmental and economic issues, which foster both outreach and research efforts that will improve the quality of life for the inmates. “You have to begin to see yourself in a different light and you have to start putting a positive light to difficult situations in your life,” said John-Baptiste.

 

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center