It's Heating Up at The First 72+... Thanks to the Official Launch of our Ben Smith Culinary Kitchen!

We’re excited to share that last week we officially launched the Ben Smith Culinary Kitchen, honoring the legacy of our founder, Ben Smith. Ben was known for believing in second chances and often hired people returning home to work on his iconic Mardi Gras-colored grill truck, “Da Grill.”

Our new program continues his vision by helping formerly incarcerated individuals overcome barriers to stable employment. Our first cohort includes five clients learning essential culinary and hospitality skills—cooking, customer service, kitchen safety, knife skills, menu planning, and more. By preparing participants for roles beyond dishwashing or bussing, we aim to create real opportunities for career advancement and economic stability.

The program is led by our case manager, Wayne Sneed, a former resident of our transitional house who spent over 40 years incarcerated. Wayne holds a degree in culinary arts and previously worked as a chef at the Hyatt Regency. In addition to teaching, Wayne also serves as case manager for the participants, providing holistic support to help them address their broader needs and succeed long-term.

Celebrating Calvin Duncan: From the Stage to the Classroom

This month, we had the honor of celebrating our co-founder Calvin Duncan through two powerful events.

On July 10th, over 500 people gathered at Dillard University for the launch of The Jailhouse Lawyer, co-authored by Calvin and Sophie Cull. Hosted by Baldwin & Co. and moderated by Sister Helen Prejean, the event highlighted Calvin’s journey from a wrongful conviction at 19 to becoming one of the country’s most respected jailhouse lawyers.

Yesterday, Calvin joined us at our 9 Steps to Staying Free class to share his story and gift signed books to our clients. His message of resilience and purpose deeply inspiring for everyone in the room. The class was catered by students from our Ben Smith Culinary Kitchen, led by Coach Wayne, who served up fried fish, crawfish pies, and more - showcasing the delicious skills they’re building for careers in the culinary industry.

We’re so proud to uplift leaders in our community like Calvin, who continue to fight for justice inside and outside the system. We wish him the best of luck in his campaign for Clerk of Court this fall!

Purchase Calvin's Book Here + Help Spread the Word!

New Staff Alert

In June, we welcomed three new staff members to the First 72+ family!

We’re thrilled to have two new Re-entry Coaches, Kendrick Howard and Marlon King — both alumni of The First 72+. They’re excited to give back the same support they once received here, helping guide others on their journey home.

We also welcomed Torrey Williams as our new Director of Economic Empowerment! With nearly eight years of re-entry experience, Torrey is looking forward to launching new programming to keep our clients engaged and motivated toward their personal and financial goals.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kendrick, Marlin, and Torrey. We’re so excited to have them – and their expertise – on the team!

Have You Checked Out Our 10 Years of Impact Report Yet?

 At the beginning of May, to celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we released our first-ever impact report! This report commemorates ten years of supporting people coming home and building a stronger community together, and highlights some of our wins this past year.

Haven’t had a chance to read it yet? Check it out on our website or stop by our offices to pick up a print copy!

Read Here!

Program Highlights

Celebrating Our First NBA Impacted Youth Cohort

We just wrapped up the very first cohort of our newly launched NBA Impacted Youth Program, which supports young people impacted by the criminal justice system in building economic and social mobility. The program offers pathways to opportunity and stability through workforce development, social emotional learning, and evidence-based case management.

Led by our Reentry Court Case Manager, Troy Delone, this program is designed to help participants envision and achieve a more secure future. Stay tuned for details about our first graduation ceremony, as well as news on when the next cohort will begin and how to refer clients!

Unity in the Community

At the end of May, The First 72+ joined Ubuntu Village and Thrive New Orleans for a “Unity in the Community" event, coming together to celebrate the strength, care, and resilience of our community.

Held in the Desire neighborhood, the event included health screens, gun safes, nob resources, mental health services, and more. We know that when our community thrives, we all succeed!

Expanding Health Education Through Community Partnerships

At our weekly 9 Steps to Staying Free Class, we often have outside partner organizations come to lead the class. In June, Aetna and No Wrap No Tap NOLA came to our class to discuss healthcare coverage and preventative sexual healthcare. Many of our participants have experienced inadequate – or even harmful – care while incarcerated. Access to accurate health education is critical as formerly incarcerated people reenter the community. We are so grateful to have Aetna as an ongoing partnership.

No Wrap No Tap NOLA provides preventative sexual healthcare services to the Black community of New Orleans through testing, education, and peer support groups. We’re excited for this partnership and commitment to expanding access to sexual health services.

Second Chance Summit

At the beginning of June, some of our staff and clients attended Beyond the Record: Second Chances Summit at the Smoothie King Center, hosted by the New Orleans Pelicans in partnership with the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC) and Voice of the Experienced (VOTE).

The event brought together hundreds of people impacted by the criminal legal system, offering vital legal, employment, and wellness resources. JAC led an expungement clinic providing free legal consultations and covering filing fees for eligible participants. We were honored to participate in the Community & Employment Resource Fair, connecting attendees with reentry service providers, local organizations, and second-chance employers.

Join the Protected Class Campaign with VOTE

Have you or someone you love faced barriers to work, housing, or fair treatment because of a past record?

Join Voice of the Experienced and fellow advocates at one of their upcoming Story Circles to share your experience, connect with others, and help shape the Protected Class Campaign in New Orleans.

Orientations and story circles will be held throughout the month of July at VOTE's offices in the Biggy Room (4930 Washington Ave), with continuing story circles happening in August throughout the community.

There will also be more ways to get involved as we get closer to the October election, where the proposal to make those with conviction histories a protected class will be voted on city-wide.

Sign Up to Volunteer or Share Your Story

Help Maintain our Food Pantry

We recently launched a GoFundMe to help restock and sustain our Food Pantry for the long term.

When we assist individuals with applying for SNAP, there is often a waiting period of 15 days or more during which they have no access to benefits. With new, stricter work requirements being applied to social welfare programs, even fewer people are able to secure the resources they need to meet their basic needs.

We are deeply grateful for the generous donations from our partners and community members that have enabled us to reopen our Food Pantry this year! While canned goods remain welcome, we are committed to creating a more sustainable system that can better serve the diverse needs of our clients and their families.

Help Us Reach $750!

Thank you for standing with us. From those taking their first steps home, to everyone who makes this work possible -- we see you, and we’re grateful. Together, we’re building something stronger than the challenges we face.

The First 72+ Co-Directors, Courtney Evans and Pastor Tyrone Smith

‍

‍

‍