Thousands of women in Louisiana leave prison each year, facing significant challenges in reintegrating into society. Without support, many struggle to secure housing, employment, and basic necessities, leading to a high recidivism rate.
A New Orleans-based nonprofit, Operation Restoration, is working to change that. The organisation provides formerly incarcerated women with housing, job training, education, and legal advocacy, helping them transition successfully into their communities.
Reintegration Challenges for Women After Incarceration
Women released from prison often face unique difficulties that hinder their return to normal life. According to Operation Restoration, nearly 54,000 women are released from incarceration in Louisiana each year, yet around 30% return to prison within five years.
Many struggle with housing, employment, and financial stability, while also dealing with the emotional and social consequences of incarceration.
Syrita Steib, the founder and president of Operation Restoration, understands these challenges firsthand. She served nearly ten years in prison for burglary and arson before experiencing the difficulties of post-incarceration life.
She highlighted how former inmates often lack access to basic resources, including financial assistance and digital literacy, which are crucial for finding employment.
“You are on parole, but you have to pay the state money for that supervision,” Steib explained. “Where do you get the money for that at first, though? If you’ve been in prison for years or decades, you don’t have the network connections or technology literacy most people lean on to find a job.”
Access to higher education is another significant barrier. Many colleges require applicants to disclose their criminal records, which can lead to rejections.
To tackle this, Operation Restoration helped pass Louisiana Act 276 in 2017, banning public colleges in the state from asking about criminal history during admissions. This law has since inspired similar policies in seven other states.
Providing Support Through Education and Employment
One of Operation Restoration’s key initiatives is its Lab Assistant Program, which trains incarcerated women for careers in medical laboratories. So far, 67 former inmates have received licenses, providing them with stable job opportunities upon release.
For Shenica Jackson, who served over 13 years in prison, the program offered a path to rebuilding her life. “It gives me something to be proud of… It feels good to try to improve yourself and learn something new.” Jackson said.
In addition to job training, the nonprofit offers housing assistance, food, clothing, and legal advocacy. In 2024 alone, it helped nearly 200 families secure stable housing and provided essentials to more than 350 women and girls, according to its Impact Report.
Recognising the impact incarceration has on families, Operation Restoration also runs programs for children of incarcerated women. One such initiative, Girl Talk, provides young girls with financial literacy, academic support, and mental health discussions. Sixteen-year-old Kace, whose parent was imprisoned, found solace in the program.
“I learned that I was depressed, and I needed people to open up to,” she shared. “Having a group like this has taught me that just because I’m struggling and I think I’m not enough, I’m enough in someone’s eyes.”
Despite its success, Operation Restoration faces financial uncertainty. Cuts in federal government funding could jeopardise programs like Girl Talk and the Lab Assistant Program. Steib is actively seeking alternative funding sources to maintain operations and establish a dedicated community centre for women and girls affected by incarceration.
“I want women and girls impacted by incarceration to have a place in the community that feels like theirs,” she said. “They should be able to come in for their lab assistant class and find childcare for their kids and pick up some clothing for an interview. That’s what we currently need help with.”
For many women, Operation Restoration represents more than just support—it offers hope for a second chance.
