Thank you for your interest in supporting our efforts!
In 2010, the United States Supreme Court decided the case of Graham v. Florida which made life without parole sentences for youth in non-homicide cases unconstitutional. In 2011, the United States Supreme Court decided to take up two additional cases which together could end the practice of sentencing all youth to life without the possibility of parole in the United States. Together, these cases could allow over 200 people a second chance. In Louisiana, we have seen five people return home from prison because of the Graham decision after serving collectively nearly two-centuries in prison (pictured above are the first two men to be released from the Louisiana State Penitentiary because of the Graham decision). All of the men released left prison with only the clothes on their backs and a $10 check issued to them by the state to start their lives in the free world. It is estimated that to return from prison people and their families will face over $1000 worth of costs and fees within their first month home as they pursue getting identification, paying court fees, registering for parole/probation, clothes, food, employment, and a residence.
Every penny donated will go directly to helping those serving life sentences in Louisiana successfully transition to the free world.
You can support second chances for youth and their families in Louisiana in the following ways:
