The First 72+

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The First 72+ We're building a world where prior incarceration is no longer a barrier to secure housing, employment, and community acceptance. in New Orleans.

Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, The First 72+ was founded by and is run by Norris Henderson, Calvin Duncan, Kenneth Delosa, Pastor Tyrone Smith, and Ben Smith - all formerly incarcerated men trying to stop the cycle of incarceration by paying forward the support and guidance they recieved upon their release from prison. Through the genorocity of a local supporter The First 72+ opened up its first transitional house on Perdido St. The house has five beds and on Sunday, July 20, 2014 got its first resident, Nathan Brown (a recent exoneree, and client of Innocence Project) who moved in after serving 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Clients and residents of The First 72+ recieve support during the first three days of their release including (but not limited to): transportation home from prison, clothes, food, transportation to social services offices (e.g. to get state identification, get a social security card, enrollment in public benefits, visits with parole/probation), and healthcare (mental, physical, dental) provided by local partners. After the first 72 hour stabilization period clients/residents will recieve support with connecting to education and/or employment, securing long term housing, programatic support (including healthy living, group therapy, parenting courses, financial literacy, healthy relationships/sexual health education, know your rights, etc.) provided in house and by local partners, and will be engaged in regular social events and community/civic engagement (to avoid clients/residents experiencing isolation upon release). Upon completion of the program all clients/residents will be considered alumni, and like the founders, are expected to remain involved and to "pay it forward." The First 72+ is a project of "The Next Generation of The Original Morning Star Baptist Church," an incorporated 501(c)(3).

When access to opportunity meets a pathway forward, communities change.The First 72+ recognizes Congressman Congressman ...
09/23/2026

When access to opportunity meets a pathway forward, communities change.

The First 72+ recognizes Congressman Congressman Troy A. Carter for his leadership in sponsoring the bipartisan TWIC Efficiency (TWICE) Act, legislation designed to improve access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) process for returning citizens.

For the individuals and families we serve, access to employment is about more than a paycheck, it is about stability, dignity, independence, and the opportunity to build a different future.

TWIC credentials are required for many jobs throughout Louisiana’s maritime, transportation, energy, and infrastructure industries. By helping returning citizens better navigate the application, appeal, and waiver processes, the TWICE Act could help remove a significant barrier between qualified community members and meaningful employment opportunities.

Thank you Congressman Carter for championing a policy that recognizes the connection between reentry, workforce development, and economic opportunity.

Legacy Leaders is back! ❤️We’re so happy to have our girls back and excited for another year of learning, creativity, co...
09/23/2026

Legacy Leaders is back! ❤️

We’re so happy to have our girls back and excited for another year of learning, creativity, connection, and growth. We’re also grateful to welcome both new and returning facilitators who are ready to pour into our girls and create meaningful experiences together.

Meet this year’s Legacy Leaders facilitators:

Mondays
• Mr. Shine | Tutoring
• Cienna | DBI Ambassador + Intro to Art
• Mr. Mike & Ms. Angela | Know Dat/Grow Dat + Gardening
• Courtney & Lauren | First 72 + Dance

Tuesdays
• Meagan “MiMi” | Silk Me Kids + Cosmetology
• Ms. Courtney | Creative Journaling
• Judge Harris | Journals for the DBI Girls
• Joshua | EPIC Credit Union + Financial Literacy

Wednesdays
• Jazz | Twerk NOLA + Dance
• Yasmeen | Next Chvpter Media + Podcasting

Here’s to another year of creating, learning, growing, and building stronger together for girls. ❤️

In April of 2026, Tremaine came to us following his release, ready to began a new chapter. Just four months later, he ha...
09/04/2026

In April of 2026, Tremaine came to us following his release, ready to began a new chapter. Just four months later, he had accomplished so much! 👏🏾

Tremaine completed our culinary program and earned his ServSafe Certification. Yesterday he graduated from the DSCEJ Workforce Training Program. ☀️💪🏾

And he’s not stopping there! Tremaine is continuing his education while also working and after-school job and building a brighter future for himself.

Tremaine, we are SO proud of! ❤️ Thank you for allowing TheFirst72+ to be a part of your journey and your story.

This is what second chances look like. This is what perseverance looks like. This is what a new beginning looks like. 🙌🏾✨


Today is Give 8/28, a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in our own communities.This year’s theme is “Many...
08/28/2026

Today is Give 8/28, a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in our own communities.

This year’s theme is “Many Voices. One Movement.” and as a Black-led organization, we embody this theme through our model of “Us Helping Us.”

To support reentry services in New Orleans while celebrating Black philanthropy, please head to the link in our bio.

08/26/2026

This school year, we wanted to make sure families in our community had what they needed to start the school year strong!

Our Connections Beyond Confinement Back-to-School Drive provided backpacks and school supplies to children of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, helping families prepare for a successful school year.

A huge thank you to our First 72+ community for supporting this drive and showing what it means to come together and support one another.

Here’s to a great school year!❤️

+ 📚

08/06/2026

Thank you to our incredible Culinary Students for pouring your time, love, and hard work into every meal. 🍽️❤️ Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and the amazing food you serve brings everyone together. We appreciate everything you do. Thank you for making every meal one to remember! 👏✨

08/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Magnificent Male Experience of Xavier University for visiting The First 72+! We appreciate you taking the time to learn, listen, and engage with the powerful stories of resilience and transformation shared by our team. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. 🖤💛

08/05/2026

Life doesn’t end with a mistake—it can begin with a second chance. Your past may be part of your story, but it doesn’t have to write your future. Redemption is real, growth is possible, and every new day is another opportunity to become who you were created to be. Don’t let yesterday define what God can do today. 🤍

It was an honor for The First 72+ to host Expungement Day on Saturday! Over 150 community members were able to get their...
07/14/2026

It was an honor for The First 72+ to host Expungement Day on Saturday! Over 150 community members were able to get their records expunged.

Securing stable housing and employment can be extremely difficult with a criminal record, regardless of what the charge is or how long it ago it was. Expungement can open up opportunities to find housing and employment, creating a pathway towards independence and stability.

Thank you to Judge Lombard, Judge Holmes, and Judge DeLarge for coordinating this event, and to all of the lawyers who volunteered their time to assist our community members!

We had a wonderful Summer Gardening Workshop with Freedom to Grow today! Our staff and community members shared their ow...
07/10/2026

We had a wonderful Summer Gardening Workshop with Freedom to Grow today! Our staff and community members shared their own experiences with gardening, and then we learned together how to take care of our gardens here at The First 72+.

Thank you, Freedom to Grow, for your hard work in making gardening more accessible!

Address

2915 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA
70119

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15043248859

Website

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