New Orleans, Louisiana is a city known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and lively music scene. However, behind this image lies a harsh reality for many women who are released from prison each year. According to Operation Restoration, a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans, nearly 54,000 women are released from prison in the state of Louisiana every year. These women face numerous challenges as they try to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Founded by Syrita Steib, Operation Restoration’s mission is to support women and girls impacted by incarceration as they attempt to restore their lives. Through their various programs, the organization provides a comprehensive solution to the multiple barriers these women face upon their release.
One of the biggest challenges for women after their release is finding employment. With a criminal record, it becomes even more difficult to secure a job. This is where Operation Restoration’s programs come in. The organization offers work training and education programs, including a laboratory assistant training program. This program has successfully licensed 67 formerly incarcerated women, providing them with a sense of pride and a new skill set to improve their chances of finding employment.
One such success story is Shenica Jackson, who was released last year after serving more than 13 years in prison. Like many others, Shenica had concerns about finding employment and providing for herself and her family. However, her outlook changed when she saw Operation Restoration’s laboratory assistant training program. She is now one of the 67 women who have been licensed through the program and is grateful for the opportunity to improve herself and learn something new.
But finding employment is just one of the numerous challenges these women face. Many of them also struggle with housing, food, clothing, and legal issues. Operation Restoration recognizes the multifaceted struggles these women face and has more than a dozen programs to address them. From providing housing and food to offering education and legal advocacy, the organization is dedicated to helping these women rebuild their lives.
For founder Syrita Steib, this mission hits close to home. After serving nearly 10 years in prison for her involvement in a burglary and arson at a car dealership, she faced the challenges of reintegration herself. She recalls feeling overwhelmed and disoriented upon her release, as the world had moved on without her. She faced numerous barriers, including difficulties with housing and college applications, which often required her to declare her criminal history. Steib’s college application was even rejected because she answered honestly about her conviction.
But she didn’t let these challenges stop her. She eventually graduated from college but faced another hurdle when she was hit with higher restitution payments to the state. It was then that she realized the lack of support and resources for women like herself who were released from prison. This motivated her to start Operation Restoration and provide the help and support she wished she had when she was released.
One of the first issues Operation Restoration tackled was the “Ban the Box” law, which prohibits public colleges in Louisiana from asking about criminal history in admissions decisions. The organization also offers a college-in-prison program in partnership with Tulane University, providing incarcerated women with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. This program currently has 34 enrolled students, giving them a chance to turn their lives around and pursue higher education.
But Operation Restoration’s impact goes beyond just the women themselves. With 80% of incarcerated women in Louisiana being mothers, the organization also offers programs for their daughters. These include tennis lessons, yoga and dance classes, and tutoring, as well as discussion groups like “Girl Talk.” This program allows teenage girls to learn about important topics such as financial literacy, self-identity, and reproductive health, while also providing a safe space for them to share their struggles and support each other.
Sixteen-year-old Kace, whose last name has been withheld for anonymity, is one of the girls who has benefitted from Operation Restoration’s programs. She struggled when a parent was incarcerated, but her grandmother suggested she join “Girl Talk.” This decision changed her life as she learned about the importance of opening up and supporting others. She says the program has taught her that she is enough, despite facing challenges like depression and a parent’s incarceration.
Operation Restoration’s impact goes beyond just helping these women and girls. It also promotes a positive change in the community. The organization is sponsored by over 40 local and national charities, including the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and has received support from various individuals and organizations. This shows the community
