CAPRI EDUCATION Workgroup Meeting
2025-05-16 12:00 - 12:40, 2025-06-20 12:00 - 12:40, 2025-07-18 12:00 - 12:40 (America/Chicago)
The Higher Level of Education, the Lower the Recidivism Rate.
Join the amazing CAPRI Education Team, led by Dr. Brandy Tyson, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic & Workforce Development at Baton Rouge Community College and Co-Chaired by Lacey Brown, EOC Assistant Director/Student Success Advisor, of the TRIO Program at Baton Rouge Community College. This team is paving the way in the development of a comprehensive pipeline of educational services for anyone who is formerly incarcerated, at any stage of their education.
From literacy classes to enrolling in college. From HISET to Scholarships to Apprenticeships, this team has several entry points in which to engage. They meet virtually every third Friday of the month at Noon.
Contact through The Hub for more information.

Re-Tool Your Career
2025-05-17 14:00 - 15:30
Are you bored in your job or career? Are you itching to try something new but don’t know how or what? Attend this session with Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak to learn tools for a successful career pivot.

Service Change
2025-05-19 10:30 - 2025-05-23 16:30
We are conducting public outreach to inform passengers about an upcoming service change. Our staff will be available at the times and location listed below to answer questions and provide a map for your reference.
Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Earl K. Long
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 [None schedule due to Board Meeting]
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM at the Scotlandville Hub
Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM at the Mall of Louisiana
Friday, May 23, 2025 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the CATS Terminal, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM at Amazon – Cortana
https://www.brcats.com/page/COA

CAPRI Housing Workgroup Meeting
2025-05-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-21 09:00 - 10:00
The CAPRI Housing Workgroup meets every third Wednesday of the month at 9:00 AM, working tirelessly to build stable housing pathways for formerly incarcerated men, women, women and children, and sex offenders reentering the community. This essential team is led by the incomparable Verna Bradley-Jackson, Executive Director of One Touch Ministry— a true pillar of the Baton Rouge housing reentry community — whose leadership continues to shape policy, partnerships, and progress across the Capital Region.
This workgroup is developing a robust and responsive housing pipeline that includes property owners, landlords, leasing agents, housing assistance providers, first-time homebuyer representatives, emergency and transitional housing options, shelters, and sober living programs. Together, they are breaking down barriers and building bridges to safe, secure, and supportive housing — the foundation of successful ReEntry.
Please contact through The Hub for more information.

5th Annual Bridging the Gap CommUnity Resource Fair
2025-05-23 10:00 - 14:00
Each year, during May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the Bridge Center for Hope hosts the Annual Bridging the Gap Community Resource Fair. The goal of this annual event is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and addiction in the East Baton Rouge Parish community.
The event offers an opportunity for the citizens and community partners to understand the services provided by The Bridge Center for Hope. Additionally, they can learn about various agencies and organizations that offer critical services to deal with mental and behavioral health challenges faced by our community. The event aims to break down barriers and silos around mental health and other community services and foster new partnerships with service providers to heal the whole person. Vender Register
The event is free, and no registration is required.

CJCC Board Meeting
2025-05-23 11:00 - 13:00
Bi-Monthly CJCC Board Meeting

CAPRI EXECUTIVE STEERING TEAM MEETING
2025-06-02 17:00 - 17:40 | EBRPL – South Branch Library, 2210 Glasgow Ave, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, United States
The CAPRI Leadership will be meeting on the first Monday of every month at 5pm to ensure consistent progress toward the Coalition’s strategic goals. These meetings are intended to maintain momentum, assess each Workgroup’s progress toward your goals, address challenges, Second Chance Tuesday outcomes, and to support membership engagement and development.
This is a closed, hybrid meeting and as an Executive Steering Team member, we appreciate you taking the time to make as many of these meetings as possible. You have been selected to sit on this team because of the value that you bring. We couldn’t do this work without your collaboration and insight.
Please be prepared to:

Bring your Monthly Outcomes Report.
Give an update on your workgroup,
Discuss current goals, future priorities, and coordination of efforts as we build pipelines.
Your suggestions, feedback, honesty, requests for help & support

You may choose to participate either virtually on zoom or in person at the new Library on Glasgow, off Perkins Rd, just past Lee Drive. You are allowed to bring your own food and drink, if so desired. I hope this allows for flexibility with your schedule, and I look forward to seeing you all!

CAPRI'S 2ND CHANCE EMPLOYMENT TEAM MEETING
2025-06-03 09:00 - 09:40
The CAPRI Second Chance Employment Team meets on the first Tuesday of every month, bringing together the largest and most industrious of all CAPRI’s workgroups. Tasked with one of the toughest — and most rewarding — missions, this team is dedicated to connecting formerly incarcerated men and women with meaningful employment opportunities.
The team is brilliantly led by Jessica Byrd of the Louisiana Department of Corrections Return for Good division, alongside respected co-chairs, Flitcher Bell and Desiree Reese of the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Together, they steer a powerhouse coalition of employers, advocates, and service providers committed to the power of creating real second chances.
Train to Sustain? If you’re an employer with ongoing workforce needs, this is the team to join. Learn about recruitment strategies, current employment trends in Baton Rouge, and the tax and financial incentives available to employers. Most importantly, discover whether your business is ready to hire one of our returning citizens — individuals who, we know from the data and experience, have proven to be among the most dedicated, loyal, and grateful employees a company can have.
For more information, contact through The CAPRI HUB.

CAPRI'S 2ND CHANCE EMPLOYMENT TEAM MEETING
2025-06-03 09:00 - 09:40, 2025-07-01 09:00 - 09:40 | https://zoom.us/j/95222904279
The CAPRI Second Chance Employment Team meets on the first Tuesday of every month, bringing together the largest and most industrious of all CAPRI’s workgroups. Tasked with one of the toughest and most rewarding missions, this team is dedicated to connecting formerly incarcerated men and women with meaningful employment opportunities.
The team is brilliantly led by Jessica Byrd of the Louisiana Department of Corrections Return for Good division, alongside co-chairs from LA Works. Together, they steer a powerhouse coalition of employers, staffing agencies, labor unions, analysts, advocates, and service providers committed to the powerful benefits of tapping into a talented pool of formerly incarcerated Louisianans.
Train to Sustain? If you’re an employer with ongoing workforce needs, this is the team to join. Learn about recruitment strategies, current employment trends in Baton Rouge, and the tax and financial incentives available to employers. Most importantly, discover whether your business is ready to hire one of our returning citizens — individuals who, we know from the data and experience, have proven to be among the most dedicated, loyal, and grateful employees a company can have.
For more information, contact Jessica Byrd through The CAPRI HUB.
Join here: https://zoom.us/j/95222904279

Cool Careers in Space
2025-06-06 10:00 - 12:00
Come and learn about interesting and in-demand STEM related careers from experts in their respective fields, with the Cool Careers Summer Series. Each Friday in June, presenters will share their knowledge and experiences and give an overview of their career fields.
On June 6th, Careers in Space, with a speaker from NASA.

CAPRI LEGAL TEAM MEETING
2025-06-06 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-06 12:00 - 12:30
CAPRI’s incredible Legal Team meets monthly on the first Friday at noon, bringing together dedicated Baton Rouge leading attorneys and community advocates committed to supporting justice-involved individuals. This passionate group has developed a comprehensive legal services pipeline tailored to the needs of formerly incarcerated men and women, ensuring consistent access to expungement screenings, legal consultations, and strategic support.
At the heart of this work is an exceptional trio of leaders who guide the team with vision, compassion, and deep expertise. Under the leadership of Lindsey Blouin, Director of YWCA Legal Services, as well as Attorney’s Josh Newville and Tranice Potier, this legal super team provides critical services that help remove barriers to ReEntry and empower individuals to move forward with dignity and opportunity. We are lucky to have them!
For more information, contact through The Hub.

Gun Violence Awareness Picnic
2025-06-06 16:00 - 18:00
The Office of Mayor-President Sid Edwards warmly invites you to join us for a “Pop Up Picnic” at Brec Gus Young Park in observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Brec Gus Young Park
This special event will bring together community leaders, partners, and residents for an afternoon of unity, reflection, and hope as we raise awareness about the impact of gun violence in our communities.
We encourage you to wear orange, the national color of gun violence awareness, and join us in standing together for a safer, stronger Baton Rouge.
We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to our community.
There will be free food, music and AmeriHealth Caritas will have a mobile unit on site.

Second Chance Tuesday
2025-06-10 12:00 - 14:00 | EBRPL – South Branch Library, 2210 Glasgow Ave, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, United States
Join us for this June’s Second Chance Tuesday at the new South Branch Library on Glasgow Ave in Southdowns. This month is extra special because we are featuring some new housing partners, Suiting 101 with Free Suits for the Gentlemen, a mobile Community Clothing Trailer parked out front, TWIC Card Applications, and so much more! The only thing we are missing is YOU!
Second Chance Tuesday is a monthly resource fair, attended by a collaboration of CAPRI Members providing job opportunities, legal consultations, educational opportunities, transportation, health & wellness care, Education Opportunities, Transportation, and other tools a formerly incarcerated person needs to be successful.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/7saCuTgqGHxP8CNa6

Non-Unanimous Juries-End of Legislative Session
2025-06-12 18:00 - 19:00
Dear friends and loved ones:
The 2025 legislative session will come to an end next week, on June 12th. This year’s non-unanimous jury bill, SB 218 will NOT be reconsidered before that date.
Unfortunately, the bill was voted down and we simply do not have the votes to pass it this year. We are closer than ever to finally winning meaningful relief for everyone who is still incarcerated with unconstitutional non-unanimous jury convictions, but the legislature will not hear this issue again until next spring (2026).

What can we do now to prepare for next year? We need to come together and start organizing NOW. Whether you live in Louisiana or not, please join us!

PJI will hold monthly zoom meetings starting next week to keep building the movement to win this fight.

Our first meeting will be on Thursday, June 12th at 6PM. Below, please find the link to join the call.

There may be a couple of resolutions that come out of this legislative session to study the 10-2 issue. These resolutions are NOT a solution or form of relief but an attempt to better understand the scope of the problem. These resolutions may include figuring out how many people are still incarcerated with non-unanimous jury convictions, and how much it would cost to resolve this injustice. Many senators – including those who voted against the bill – want something to happen and that when we start the process next year, at the very least we will have concrete information to make conversations more honest and realistic. This is a good sign that legislators understand they need to act on this.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions, ideas or concerns. Feel free to email Sara at sgozalo@defendla.org.
We believe that we will win.

ZOOM MEETING THURSDAY JUNE 12TH AT 6PM.

Topic: 10- ORGANIZING MEETING
Time: Jun 12, 2025 06:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86292344668

Meeting ID: 862 9234 4668
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Meeting ID: 862 9234 4668

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcuLdtAj63

In solidarity,
PJI Team

Cool Careers in Videogame Design
2025-06-13 10:00 - 12:00
Come and learn about interesting and in-demand STEM related careers from experts in their respective fields, with the Cool Careers Summer Series. Each Friday in June, presenters will share their knowledge and experiences and give an overview of their career fields.
On June 6th, Careers in Videogame Design, with a speaker from King Crow Studios.

Rep. Troy Carter hosts Town Hall with Resource Fair
2025-06-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Iberville Parish Library, 24605 Gerald Berrett Blvd, Plaquemine, LA, United States
Iberville Parish Monday, June 16th in Plaquemine 4-6p
Ascension Parish, Tuesday June 17th in Donaldsonville 4-7:30p at Community Center
Hurricane Season, resource fair, government agencies

CAPRI's HEALTH & WELLNESS MEETING
2025-06-19 15:00 - 15:30, 2025-07-17 15:00 - 15:30
The CAPRI Health & Wellness Group meets monthly on the third Thursday at 3pm virtually, discussing collaborative goals in creating a safe space for formerly incarcerated to plug in to resources, healing, and support. This dynamic team focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the formerly incarcerated community, building pathways to wellness that are community-centered and trauma-informed.
Led by the gregarious and deeply committed Reese King, the group brings energy, empathy, and innovation to every meeting. Together, they’ve developed holistic strategies that address Post-Incarceration Trauma Syndrome, as well as other critical health needs, promoting long-term wellness. At CAPRI’s Second Chance Tuesday, they offer everything from Narcan instruction, health education, and mental health resources to wellness workshops and peer support. Contact through The Hub for more information.

Cool Careers in Forensic Anthropology
2025-06-20 10:00 - 12:00
Come and learn about interesting and in-demand STEM related careers from experts in their respective fields, with the Cool Careers Summer Series. Each Friday in June, presenters will share their knowledge and experiences and give an overview of their career fields.
On June 20th, Careers in Forensic Anthropology, with a speaker from the LSU FACES Lab.

Cool Careers in Drones & Robotics
2025-06-27 10:00 - 12:00
Come and learn about interesting and in-demand STEM related careers from experts in their respective fields, with the Cool Careers Summer Series. Each Friday in June, presenters will share their knowledge and experiences and give an overview of their career fields.
On June 27th, Careers in Drones & Robotics, with speakers from LSU & BRCC.

CAPRI's TRANSPORTATION TEAM MEETING
2025-06-30 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-28 11:00 - 11:30
The CAPRI Transportation Workgroup meets once per month to tackle one of the most critical — and most challenging — reentry needs: reliable transportation. These community leaders are steering the conversation and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive transportation pipeline that ensures returning citizens can get to where they need to go — to work, to services, to stability.
Currently recruiting new members, the workgroup is calling on the Capital Region’s best and brightest from the Office of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, public transit, bicycle vendors, auto dealers — and yes, even anyone who can skateboard resources to the table! If you’re involved in helping people move, this team needs your voice, your expertise, and your ideas.
Help build a transportation network that works — because access to mobility is access to opportunity.
To get involved or for more information, contact Stacci Tobin: stobin@ebrcjcc.org

Open Enrollment Day at HOPE Ministries
2025-07-01 11:00 - 13:00
We’re excited to invite you to Open Enrollment Day for HOPE Ministries’ The Way to Work program on Tuesday, July 1st from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at 4643 Winbourne Ave.
This is a great opportunity to:
✅ Learn more about our career readiness and life skills program
✅ Sign up for our next Going Beyond class starting Monday, July 14
✅ Connect with staff and ask questions
✅ Enjoy free ice cream from the Red River Bank ice cream truck!
Whether you’re interested in enrolling or sharing with clients who might benefit, we’d love to see you there.
The Way to Work is open to individuals ages 18 and up who are ready to take the next step toward employment and personal growth. You can click this https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1saGlwchAC2277sbazzNwRY7nWoXpPd9nB8yFBi7heWk/edit to register, or use the QR code in the attached flyer.
Come by, cool off, and take the first step toward a brighter future!

CAPRI EXECUTIVE STEERING TEAM MEETING
2025-07-14 17:00 - 17:40 | EBRPL – South Branch Library, 2210 Glasgow Ave, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, United States
The CAPRI Leadership will be meeting to ensure consistent progress toward the Coalition’s strategic goals. These meetings are intended to maintain momentum, assess each Workgroup’s progress toward your goals, address challenges, Second Chance Tuesday outcomes, and to support membership engagement and development.
This is a closed, hybrid meeting and as an Executive Steering Team member, we appreciate you taking the time to make as many of these meetings as possible. You have been selected to sit on this team because of the value that you bring. We couldn’t do this work without your collaboration and insight.
Please be prepared to:

Bring your Monthly Outcomes Report.
Give an update on your workgroup,
Discuss current goals, future priorities, and coordination of efforts as we build pipelines.
Your suggestions, feedback, honesty, requests for help & support

You may choose to participate either virtually on zoom or in person at the new Library on Glasgow, off Perkins Rd, just past Lee Drive. You are allowed to bring your own food and drink, if so desired. I hope this allows for flexibility with your schedule, and I look forward to seeing you all!
