Lafayette District Reentry Coalition

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Low-wage and part-year employment is the reality for most Louisianans returning from incarceration.

New research from the Blanco Center using LA FIRST data reveals that Food Services and Drinking Places is the largest industry employing formerly incarcerated individuals, for both full-year and part-year workers. While this can provide a starting point for people to return to work, it's also one of the lowest-paying industries.

The good news? Higher wages are within reach for some. A small number of formerly incarcerated individuals working full-year are accessing industries paying $50K or more annually, including Support Activities for Mining and Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.

📊 Read the full 2026 Causes and Consequences of Criminal and Delinquent Acts report: Employment Outcomes of Justice-Involved Individuals in Louisiana:https://blancocenter.louisiana.edu/sites/blancocenter/files/Blanco%20Center%20-%20Employment%20Outcomes%20of%20Justice-involved%20Individuals%20in%20Louisiana%202026.pdf

06/17/2026

Congratulations Roya Boustany!

LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — Roya Boustany was sworn in as chief judge of Lafayette City Court, becoming just the fifth chief judge in the court's history. Boustany is the

06/16/2026

Congratulations Oceans Healthcare and Ochsner Lafayette General!

Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana – Lafayette, a new behavioral health hospital at 310 Youngsville Highway in Lafayette, will open to patients July 7.

Through this partnership between Ochsner Lafayette General and Oceans Healthcare, more patients can receive expert care in the communities they call home, closer to the people and families who support them most.

The hospital will offer inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to patients of all ages.

Learn how Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana - Lafayette can support you or a loved one. Reach out and connect with our team at 337-839-9008 or visit ochsner.org/OBHAL.

06/08/2026

Congratulations Dr. June and South Louisiana Community College!

Your leadership continues to strengthen our entire community through education, workforce training, and access to opportunity. We are especially grateful for the ways SoLAcc supports pathways for individuals rebuilding their lives, including reentry services alongside many other community programs that help people gain skills and stability.

As part of the Reentry Coalition, we see firsthand how meaningful these opportunities are and the difference they make for families and the local workforce.

We appreciate your continued commitment to inclusion, growth, and community impact.

SoLAcc chancellor receives national award recognizing impact on Acadiana workforce growth bit.ly/4vxq9sh

The chancellor was recognized for expanding the college’s academic and workforce training programs and strengthening partnerships with industry.

05/15/2026

“Talitha koum!”
(which means “Little girl, arise.”) — Mark 5:41

At TK Mission, that scripture reflects the heart behind everything we do. Many women come to us feeling broken, defeated, hopeless, or trapped in destructive cycles. Through Christ-centered recovery, support, community, and accountability, we believe healing and restoration are possible.

Talitha Koum is a reminder that God still brings new life, new beginnings, and hope to women who are ready to rise again.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help, donating is one simple way to make a difference. Every gift helps us continue providing support, housing, resources, and hope for the women God brings through our doors.

Thank you for believing in the work God is doing through TK Mission.

Donation and supply links will be in the comments.

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

Last weekend, our students visited the main branch of the library and learned about building a resume, finding a real job, how to interview and what tools are available for FREE for students to help them on this journey. The information shared by the presenters was exactly what our young people need to hear and it was very well received.

We are grateful for our partnership with the Lafayette Public Library through our LifeLab: Skills for Life series, and for everything that they do for our community!

Up next: Basic Auto Maintenance at SOLACC on May 30th!