The First 72+ Celebrates a Decade of Impact at Our Anniversary Gala!

FIRST 72+ CELEBRATES A DECADE OF IMPACT, SERVICE AT ANNIVERSARY GALA; HONORS CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS

NEW ORLEANS, LA (DATE) – In celebration of 10 years of transformative and impactful work in the city of New Orleans, The First 72+ hosted The First 10+: A Decade of Change 10-year anniversary gala spotlighting their work in reducing recidivism and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. Hosted in the Grand Ballroom at the Westin New Orleans, the event included testimonials of success, honoree recognitions, proclamation presentations, and special remarks.

“The gala celebrated a monumental milestone—ten years of transformational impact, resilience, and hope. Over the past decade, The First 72+ has been doing the life-changing, and community-shifting work of empowering countless returning citizens, providing them with the tools and support to rebuild their lives after incarceration. What began as a simple, yet powerful purpose of providing individuals returning home from incarceration with the resources, support, and community they needed to reintegrate into society successfully has truly grown into an incredible asset in supporting formerly incarcerated persons and helping stem crime in our beloved city,” said Executive Director Troy Glover. “And while tonight was a beautiful celebration, we absolutely recognize that the real work continues and there’s still so much we have to do, but with the community we’ve built across our incredible partners and stakeholders, I am confident we can achieve even more, beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you to everyone who attended the gala. Let’s continue to change lives, one step at a time.”

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Hosted by Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Communications Officer Casey Ferrand McGee, the gala honored United States Congressman Troy Carter, Greater New Orleans Foundation, Former Client Harold Johnson, Reentry Case Manager & Former Client Troy Delone, State Senator Royce Duplessis, City Council President Helena Moreno, City Councilmembers Lesli Harris & Oliver Thomas, Sheriff Susan Hutson and Founder Pastor Tyrone Smith for their years of hard work, commitment, and belief in the power of second chances. Whether through support, philanthropy, government leadership, or community service, the gala’s honorees have made a lasting contribution to our mission and to the lives of countless individuals.

Additionally, State Representative Candace N. Newell & City Council President Helena Moreno presented The First 72+ with City and State proclamations for their service and steadfast advocacy.

Board Chair Kelly Orians said, “This night was a testament to our progress and the unyielding commitment to justice and rehabilitation. Additionally, it represented not only a celebration of the work we’ve done but also the lives we’ve touched and the hope we’ve instilled in countless individuals. It’s a beautiful testament to the resilience of those we serve and the unwavering commitment of our partners, volunteers, and supporters who have walked this journey with us. As we look back at the last 10 years, we reflect on the impact we’ve had; more importantly, we look toward the future and the continued work to create real change because we recognize the fight for formerly incarcerated individuals is a fight for a stronger, more equitable society.”

Founder Pastor Tyrone Smith said, “The First 72+ began as an idea—a belief that the first 72 hours after someone returns from incarceration are critical in determining the trajectory of their future. It was born out of the recognition that everyone deserves a chance, not just to survive, but to thrive. Together, we can and will build on this momentum to ensure the next 10 years are filled with even more opportunities, more successes, and more lives changed for the better.”

The evening would not have been possible without the gala’s sponsors who have been instrumental in furthering The First 72+’s mission. These sponsors included:

• Beacon of Hope Sponsor: Freedom Finders
• Bridge Builder Sponsors: Verizon, Phoenix Project NOLA, Resourceful Consulting, Safety Bound, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baptist Community Ministries, Greater New Orleans Foundation, and Gulf Coast Bank.
• Community Advocate Table Sponsors: Women With a Vision, Total Community Action, Enterprise Community Partners, Daughters Beyond Incarceration, and Borealis.

Since 2014, The First 72+ has supported more than 3000 people on their journey from incarceration with more than $1.5M dollars in emergency financial assistance, over 200 clients receiving housing or housing assistance, more than $100K dollars distributed to formerly incarcerated people through low interest loans and much more.

Reentry Case Manager and Former Client Troy Delone said, “The gala was an incredible time for me because of the profound impact that The First 72+ has had not just on my life, but on countless others like me. This organization represents hope for people like me who are coming home from jail and facing immense challenges. It’s not just about a fresh start—it’s about community, guidance, and the support needed to truly rebuild our lives. The First 72+ gave me the tools, encouragement, and opportunity to change my path, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

The gala was an inspiring evening of reflection, recognition, and a recommitment to the work ahead. Through partnerships, advocacy, and community support, The First 72+ continues to lead the charge in changing lives and reducing recidivism.

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