Family and friends gathered Thursday at Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace to witness seven inmates take the first steps to second chances through the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office Opportunity Now Re-Entry Program Ceremony.

This was the third graduating class. Opportunity Now is a collaborative effort between the Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and Louisiana Department of Corrections that provides work readiness, job placement and other self-sufficiency services to qualified inmates.

Re-entry participants underwent three months of intensive work readiness and life skills training. The courses are designed to help individuals make better choices and cope with a variety of issues they may face upon re-entering society.

Job placement and case management services are also mandated aspects of the program.