19 EX-INMATES GRADUATE INTO NEW WAY OF LIFE

LAFAYETTE -- Jason Bacon was looking for a change. Recently released from
prison after serving a sentence for possession of cocaine, Bacon signed up
for a new program offered in Lafayette Parish -- Project Return.

Bacon was one of 52 newly released inmates who signed on. Bacon was one of
the 19 people who were able to stick it out for the entire three-month
program and graduate in an emotional ceremony Friday.

Bacon said he and his fellow graduates won't be the same.

Bacon's taking care of his 4-year-old daughter now. After 19 years of
working as a painter, he's gotten enough computer training that he's been
offered a job working with computers.

Project Return made all that possible, Bacon said.

"It's a phenomenal experience for someone who wants it," Bacon said.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office gives office space and support to
Project Return, which is a nonprofit organization with similar operations
elsewhere in the country, including New Orleans.

Project Return boasts that its graduates are several times less likely to
commit another crime.

Offenders serve their time, but are let out into the world with little help
or guidance to help change their lives, Lafayette Parish Mike Neustrom said
Friday.

Project Return participants meet eight hours a day, five days a week for 12
weeks. They get substance abuse and violence counseling and take General
Educational Development classes. They learn family preservation activities
and workplace preparedness. Job placement and computer training are part of
the program, as well as counseling that teaches them to form healthy
relationships.

Bacon, who won an award Friday for perfect attendance, said the
community-building aspect of the program was important.

Participants met regularly and shared things such as their fears and
concerns about their future. But as the days went on, people dropped from
the group, Bacon said. "We are a community. Whenever one of us drops out,
it hurts all of us," Bacon said.

Participants became close, and started trying to help each other succeed,
Bacon said.

The ceremony Friday may have been the first time many of the graduates had
anyone clap for them and tell them they'd done a good job, said Project
Return of Louisiana Executive Director Robert Roberts.

Family members and friends applauded and cried and waved and took pictures
as one by one the graduates, dressed in black gowns, got a completion
certificate.

Leona Bruno, who won an award for being an outstanding student and plans on
getting her GED, said that, in the past, she'd quit most difficult things
she tried. But she stayed with Project Return.

"You know, it's funny how life can change in the blink of an eye when you
do one small thing to empower yourself," Bruno said.

One of the things participants learned was how to handle a job interview
when you've checked "yes" on the box asking if you've ever been convicted
of a felony.

Bacon said he's honest and up front about his past failures, but proud of
what he's accomplished and learned since.

"I wouldn't change anything," Bacon said. "I wouldn't be where I am today
if I hadn't made mistakes."