Pubdate: Sat, 25 May 2002
Source: Advocate, The (LA)
Copyright: 2002 The Advocate, Capital City Press
Contact:  http://www.theadvocate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/
Author: Kevin Blanchard

19 EX-INMATES GRADUATE INTO NEW WAY OF LIFE

LAFAYETTE -- Jason Bacon was looking for a change. Recently released from 
prison after serving a sentence for possession of cocaine, Bacon signed up 
for a new program offered in Lafayette Parish -- Project Return.

Bacon was one of 52 newly released inmates who signed on. Bacon was one of 
the 19 people who were able to stick it out for the entire three-month 
program and graduate in an emotional ceremony Friday.

Bacon said he and his fellow graduates won't be the same.

Bacon's taking care of his 4-year-old daughter now. After 19 years of 
working as a painter, he's gotten enough computer training that he's been 
offered a job working with computers.

Project Return made all that possible, Bacon said.

"It's a phenomenal experience for someone who wants it," Bacon said.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office gives office space and support to 
Project Return, which is a nonprofit organization with similar operations 
elsewhere in the country, including New Orleans.

Project Return boasts that its graduates are several times less likely to 
commit another crime.

Offenders serve their time, but are let out into the world with little help 
or guidance to help change their lives, Lafayette Parish Mike Neustrom said 
Friday.

Project Return participants meet eight hours a day, five days a week for 12 
weeks. They get substance abuse and violence counseling and take General 
Educational Development classes. They learn family preservation activities 
and workplace preparedness. Job placement and computer training are part of 
the program, as well as counseling that teaches them to form healthy 
relationships.

Bacon, who won an award Friday for perfect attendance, said the 
community-building aspect of the program was important.

Participants met regularly and shared things such as their fears and 
concerns about their future. But as the days went on, people dropped from 
the group, Bacon said. "We are a community. Whenever one of us drops out, 
it hurts all of us," Bacon said.

Participants became close, and started trying to help each other succeed, 
Bacon said.

The ceremony Friday may have been the first time many of the graduates had 
anyone clap for them and tell them they'd done a good job, said Project 
Return of Louisiana Executive Director Robert Roberts.

Family members and friends applauded and cried and waved and took pictures 
as one by one the graduates, dressed in black gowns, got a completion 
certificate.

Leona Bruno, who won an award for being an outstanding student and plans on 
getting her GED, said that, in the past, she'd quit most difficult things 
she tried. But she stayed with Project Return.

"You know, it's funny how life can change in the blink of an eye when you 
do one small thing to empower yourself," Bruno said.

One of the things participants learned was how to handle a job interview 
when you've checked "yes" on the box asking if you've ever been convicted 
of a felony.

Bacon said he's honest and up front about his past failures, but proud of 
what he's accomplished and learned since.

"I wouldn't change anything," Bacon said. "I wouldn't be where I am today 
if I hadn't made mistakes."
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