Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is proud to announce the observance of Second Chance Month this April with the I’m Working Hard campaign. Second Chance Month is a nationwide initiative dedicated to supporting individuals who are reintegrating into society following incarceration. Every day, hundreds of inmates at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex work hard for an opportunity at a second chance. Inmates work to rehabilitate themselves by participating in self-improvement classes, victim awareness, education, drug treatment, job skill training, and by providing community service.

This year, each inmate participating in re-entry programs created a yellow sign announcing their commitment to work hard towards a second chance and wrote about the reason this second chance is so important. Here are some of the messages the inmates wrote: “I want to be a better father,” “My family and community deserves a better version of me,” and “I’m sorry for the mistakes I made.” The signs are currently displayed on the grounds of the Correctional Complex and will remain throughout April.

Since its inception in 2017, Second Chance Month has become an opportunity to spotlight the importance of helping those leaving custody regain their footing in free society, which benefits not just individuals but our public safety as well. But most people leaving prison struggle as they reenter society. Their criminal past makes it harder to obtain jobs, housing, education, and other life-sustaining support.

Captain Karla Back, Director of Reentry and Programming at the Correctional Complex, said, “We chose the color yellow for our signs as it is used to symbolize sentiments of hope, remembrance, and belonging. We believe in the power of transformation. We all work hard to inspire change and provide meaningful opportunities to those seeking to rebuild their lives. Captain Beck said the stories of the people they work with daily demonstrate growth, accountability, and giving back, ensuring the Correctional Complex staff will continue supporting and advocating for second chances.