Monroe, LA – Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, in partnership with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, is gathering local, regional and state leaders to address the state of prison reentry and emerging solutions in Northeast Louisiana. This free prison reentry summit is scheduled for Tuesday (June 11) from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Tennison Hall at First West-West Monroe campus at 311 Mill St, West Monroe, LA 71291.
Each year, more than 600,000 of the two million individuals incarcerated in America resume their lives in our communities. The day a prisoner is released from prison and back into society should be a day of rejoicing and new opportunity. Instead, for many exiting Louisiana’s prison system, it represents the first step in a downward cycle that ultimately ends with a return to incarceration. Northeast Delta started the Louisiana Reentry (La-Re) and Second Opportunity Workforce Solutions (SOWS) in part to deal with some of these significant issues. The June 11 summit includes a series of facilitated conversations focused on coming together to “stop the cycle.”
“Innovation, integration and collaboration are some of the keys to resolving an entrenched social problem like incarceration. And while governmental agencies like Northeast Delta HSA should and can do its part, it will not be enough to solve this complex problem alone,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, executive director of Northeast Delta HSA. “All of us are affected by this, and all of us should pay attention and all of us should play a role in mitigating this situation.”
La-Re gives nonviolent, mentally ill and addicted offenders an opportunity to get the help they need post-incarceration to avoid recidivism. It is a pilot program to evaluate how the agency’s integrated healthcare model might positively impact the lives of those living with mental illness and addiction as they return to Northeast Louisiana communities from Louisiana’s prisons and jails. The SOWS program provides supportive employment services to Northeast Delta clients being served by the agency’s integrative behavioral and primary healthcare network, including citizens who are non-violent criminal offenders and those who are being released from incarceration.
The summit includes plenary sessions, testimonies from people formerly incarcerated and a panel of specialists and others who can provide helpful information, resources and contacts. The event includes: Plenary talks from…
• Corey Acosta, assistant director of probation and parole, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
• Rhett Covington, assistant secretary, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
• Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, executive director of Northeast Delta Human Services Authority Testimonies from FIPs (Formerly Incarcerated Persons) who have successfully reintegrated into their communities.
A Community panel exploring local resources available to those working through reentry and reintegration into the community.
For more details about the summit and to register, please visit: https://reentry-summit.eventbrite.com
About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HAS)
Northeast Delta HSA manages the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life for individuals with major mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta accomplishes this by utilizing a nationally-recognized and integrative approach that identifies and addresses behavioral and primary health care needs.
Our agency operates through collaboration with regional partners in business, prevention, education, and care in 12 parishes (Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland, and Union). Northeast Delta is devoted to delivering programs and services that encourage citizens of northeast Louisiana to reach their full human potential. Three tenets guide these efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services, and competent, quality care.
NE Delta HSA Media Contact :
Will Sutton
Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Office: (318) 362-4538
Email: will.sutton@la.gov
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
www.nedeltahsa.org
