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  2ND CHANCE NOLA

Former Louisiana State Senator
​Derrick Shepherd turned his life around. Now he wants to help former prisoners like himself do the same.


A Message to Ex-Offenders from Derrick Shepherd:

​​"The world will see us in a positive way if we let the light shine through.  Let's open the doors to opportunity and all of society will benefit " 
                  

​Louisiana
We lead the world in incarceration rates. Those released on parole or probation number in the tens of thousands and walk among us in the shadows of society. Some 43 per cent of individuals released from Louisiana prisons will end up back in jail within five years. 
Do we continue to turn our backs on this significantly vulnerable population and suffer the consequences? Or do we give them a second chance and a path to redemption. 

​Those who served time tell their stories of life on the outside where the past is always at the forefront of building a new life. Do these former prisoners deserve a 2nd chance? Click here to read their stories.

Listen Up

Derrick Shepherd addresses crime, incarceration, second chances... and politics... in a free-flowing discussion on The Founders radio show, hosted by Louisiana Weekly Political Writer Christopher Tidmore and Chaplin Hy McEnery. 

​Tune in for a fascinating back and forth which delves deep into crime and punishment and how our differing views can come together on the absolute necessity of second chances for ex-offenders.  
The Founders Show with Derrick Shepherd

Shepherd’s Mission:
Department Dedicated to Re-Entry of Ex-Cons

​Louisiana Weekly Newspaper
by Christopher Tidmore

Media coverage decried former State Senator-turned-ex-con Derrick Shepherd attending a transition meeting with Mayor-elect LaToya Cantrell at a local church. Subsequent speculation arose as to whether Shepherd would return to politics in her new Administration, and the negative blowback forced heavy denials from Cantrell. Nevertheless, the controversy unexpectedly ricocheted back in an unexpected way, turning attention to Shepherd’s major issue—the difficulty that felons released from prison have re-entering the workforce.
Speaking to The Louisiana Weekly, Shepherd noted the irony, “I was there on my own volition. I didn’t say anything at the meeting…I was just there to listen.” Of course, the ex-con former politician never expected the negative reaction which he received.
“I consider the Mayor a friend, I always did,” he confessed. “During the campaign, I had helped out, just as a friend of the Mayor. I attended many events, just on my own—not as a member of the campaign—many attended by elected officials. It’s interesting that it never became an issue. It’s interesting that this became an issue.”   Click here to read the rest of the article.


Former State Sen. Derrick Shepherd says he and other ex-offenders who have done their time should be given a second chance. 

He spoke to FOX 8 News about that and the controversy over his being at a meeting where the incoming mayor of New Orleans and some state lawmakers were in attendance.


​A Community of Potential
​Coming Out of the Shadows


The Louisiana Department of Corrections will release 15,000 individuals from prison in 2018.  After completing their sentences, these men and women will confront barriers that prevent even the most qualified among them from finding employment.  With a criminal record, it can be nearly impossible to find a job. Nationally, two-thirds of  those released from prison will be re-arrested within three years. Employment can be the difference between becoming a success story and returning to crime. Let's work together to change perceptions, find solutions and encourage the potential of those who have paid their debt to society. 
"I want to offer hope to the many citizens who have made a mistake that they too can receive a second chance at life."
                                                                                                                                       -- Derrick Shepherd

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Do You Believe in Second Chances?

Derrick Shepherd was at the top of his career when he was indicted on Federal charges of money laundering.  

He pleaded guilty and, in 2010, was sentenced to 37 months in Federal prison.  A decorated military veteran, successful attorney and Louisiana state senator, Shepherd lost everything he had worked for professionally. Like many others who followed this path, he left prison a changed man.

There are many thousands of men and women out there, nonviolent former inmates without the education and advantages Shepherd had, who want to prove themselves and start a new life. But their criminal background is front and center; it means they can't even get in the door. There's no opportunity to tell their story, to prove their worth, to go over and above, to show what they are capable of.

​In this video, Derrick Shepherd makes his case for a second chance-- for himself and others like him.

​Six Basic Lifestyle Needs for Successful​Reentry into Society


​Former prisoners face challenges at every level. Attaining each life need presents unique challenges, many of which are interconnected. These challenges come in many forms, but Ann Jacobs, director of the Prisoner Reentry Institute at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, succinctly summarizes them: 
  • livelihood
  • residence 
  • family 
  • health
  • criminal justice compliance 
  • social connections

We Believe in Second Chances


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2ndchancenola@gmail.com
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