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).
