by Martha Pool
It is a sobering realization that, given certain circumstances, jail can be a reality for almost anyone. With the highest rate of incarceration per capita—794 per 100,000 people—Louisiana leads the nation, according to Bureau of Justice statistics.
The St. Tammany Parish Jail can now hold 872 inmates, more than three times its capacity in the year 2000. Operating under the direction of Sheriff Jack Strain, the jail is staffed by a team of 170 employees—one of the lowest guard-to-inmate ratios in Louisiana. The majority of those incarcerated there are serving sentences of 10 years or less.
The steady growth of Louisiana’s incarcerated population dictates a continuing interest in institutional programs that decrease recidivism—relapse into criminal behavior—and prevent crime. Since October 2003, a privately organized and funded program called “180” has been used at St. Tammany Parish Jail to help inmates chart a new course for their lives and, as a result, reduce the rate of recidivism.
Unique to the parish, 180 is the brainchild of Crystal Younger, a licensed professional counselor based in Covington, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in rehabilitation counseling and will complete her doctorate in December. Similar to the Corrections Organized for Re-entry initiative offered at state facilities, 180 offers educational and spiritual training for inmates who express a desire to participate.
Says Younger, “I’ve been involved with the jail system since 2001, working on a voluntary basis. Based on my education and experience, I developed a comprehensive plan and presented it to Deputy Warden Gregory Longino; both he and Warden Marlin Peachey happily approved it. Without their help and support, along with that of Sheriff Jack Strain, none of this would be possible.”
“We are willing to do whatever we can to help these people change their lives and become productive citizens. When they change, it helps everyone in the community; it’s a win-win situation,” says Longino.
To gain more insight into this groundbreaking program, I met with three inmates—Cliff, Daniel and David—who have participated in 180 since its inception. Their collective experience, sincerity and willingness to share some of their innermost thoughts should make even the most cynical among us sit up and take notice.
Cliff offers an overview. “We have 25 men in the classroom—25 different stories and 25 different walks of life. Some of them sit there and they’re quiet, but when they do speak, they speak wisdom—where they’ve been and where God has brought them up to this point. It’s the whole conglomerate of everyone in the program that makes us what we are. We’re like family. We have some great instructors, who are certainly here by divine appointment, and when we come to class, it’s an opportunity to lean on each other and share our problems; it’s just tremendous. When you walk back out of that classroom door, it’s like there’s been a whole load taken off your shoulders.”
Cliff adds: “Growing up, I was of the mindset that it was always ‘bad’ people that went to jail. That’s not the case; there are people in bad situations. There are some ‘good’ people in this facility—kindhearted. They’ll give you the shirt off their back. They’ve just made some bad choices. Every night of the week, no matter what 180 class we’re in, we’re always told that when we leave here, we have to change the people we associate with, the places we go, the things we do.”
The program is offered on a 100-percent voluntary basis to inmates who have achieved trustee status. Since a desire to change is the only incentive for those who choose to participate, the group of men who now form 180 includes many individuals who have demonstrated a decided resolve to alter their lives while incarcerated, as well as to look ahead to a better life upon their release.
Younger emphasizes, “We want them to make a 180-degree turn. The jail’s philosophy is to offer the program only to those who are interested from the standpoint of redirecting their lives, rather than seeking to get something from the system in return. The success of the program rests to a large degree on the honesty of these individuals. It is significant that these men decide to leave their friends in the dorm and go to class. Just learning to be committed and remaining consistent are traits that some of these people didn’t previously possess.”
Since inmates can opt not to attend any given class, attendance records are kept to ensure that each person involved is committed, as demonstrated by their level of participation and interest. Says David, “I agree with the philosophy of the program—it’s about changing our lives—going back into society and being able to function. If we succeed, the concept has the potential to grow further; that’s what it’s all about.”
Due to space limitations and logistical concerns, 180 is made up of only two groups of men and women, each limited to 25 participants, which meet in separate areas of the jail. Because men make up more than 90 percent of the jail population, the classes are more established for this group and include a more extensive curriculum.
Ideally, 180 is designed for inmates who will be released within six months, but due to the popularity of the program and its success, several of the inmates have more than six months left to serve. The men say that’s a positive, because there’s always a core group to help mentor those just coming into the classes.
The classes, held every weekday evening from 7 – 9 p.m., are facilitated by private citizens on a strictly volunteer basis. There is no cost to taxpayers, since literature and relevant materials are donated by individuals or organizations.
According to Deputy Paula Smith, who coordinates 180, she and other deputies have noticed some remarkable changes among the men in their attitude and behavior. The positive results are also affecting other inmates in the jail, attracting them to the program. She notes, “I actually have a waiting list now!”
Says Daniel, “When I came in, I was emotionally immature. This experience has allowed me to step back and get a different perspective on life. I used to be happy-go-lucky, didn’t care—just a rebel without a cause. But being placed under the tutelage of people who love you—I can’t say thank you enough. You’ll hear it said frequently among inmates that jail is the best thing that ever happened to them.”
Program components
In developing the curriculum, Younger relied on her counseling experience in the field and her awareness of what incarcerated individuals require to rehabilitate their lives. In addition to providing secular education and spiritual guidance, it is imperative to address the main issues that contribute to their being in jail.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Nationally, approximately 80 percent of inmates have committed crimes that involved alcohol and drug abuse. Several of 180’s facilitators have been down this road themselves—they know what it’s like to be behind bars. Many are recovering alcoholics and addicts who come to share their personal experiences and present the original 12-step approach to recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held one night per week in two different areas of the jail to accommodate both men and women.
Practical living skills
By participating in anger management classes, addressing life issues and learning interpersonal skills that will equip them to make it on the outside, inmates are taught how to live a crime-free, drug-free life and become responsible, contributing members of society. Learning new skills and discussing positive solutions for dealing with everyday issues such as family problems or financial concerns helps equip them to handle difficult situations, as well as interact peaceably with other inmates. The process builds confidence and camaraderie.
One part of the current curriculum is a study of “Managing Money God’s Way,” from a book published by Crown Ministries of Gainesville, Georgia. The publisher has expressed an interest in using 180 as a pilot program for writing new material specifically designed for use in jails and prisons.
Bible study
Faith-based jail ministries have been in place for years, and many inmates have profited greatly by learning to apply biblical principles to real-life situations. Says Younger, “The success of 180 demonstrates the widely documented effectiveness of pairing Bible study with secular education and the support group environment of Alcoholics Anonymous.”
Inmates recently began volunteering to present a short Bible study in the context of their individual life experiences. Daniel touts the benefits of the newly implemented approach. “It has been very helpful in teaching us organizational skills and how to get up in front of a large group and give a presentation. A lot of these guys would have never even thought about doing that, but with the support and fellowship of the group, they find the courage. It’s been a real blessing.”
Other inmate programs
In addition to coordinating 180, Deputy Smith also implements other programs, including literacy training, General Education Degree classes and testing through the St. Tammany Parish School Board, as well as horticulture classes facilitated by Delgado Community College. Part of the jail’s plan involves inmates teaching other inmates.
Smith explains, “We are interested in implementing as many programs as possible to help improve the chances that these individuals will be successful when they re-enter society. All too often people think in terms of locking the door and throwing away the key. People also tend to lose sight of how imprisonment dramatically affects the entire family. We believe in giving hope to inmates. I express to them all the time that you treat people the way you want to be treated. The men in 180 have really come a long way. The program is working great, and the participants are working for it.”
Release and re-entry
Part of the St. Tammany Parish Jail system includes a work release facility in Slidell that houses approximately 200 men. These men are given the opportunity to hold a paying job and build up some income before their release. Younger also holds classes at this facility where, as trustees, some of the 180 inmates work in areas such as the kitchen or laundry.
David, incarcerated since 2002, expresses some thoughts about his release in 2005. “Being accepted back into society weighs heavy on me. I’m a first-time offender, but in society’s eyes I’ll be judged for who knows how long. Having this type of program and people to come to that give you help and strength when you need it, with the tools you’ll need to succeed, is a real blessing. When I leave, it’s going to be a glorious day, but it’s also going to be a very sad day because of the strong bond I’ve developed with some of my Christian brothers here. It’s going to hurt because it’s like losing a family member.”
Prior to release, Younger works with the inmates on a re-entry plan, discussing such issues as vocational planning and housing. So far, more than half-a-dozen men from 180 have been released. Younger also conducts a follow-up class one day per week outside the prison for those who have returned to society. She provides them with her contact information so that they can call at least monthly to report their progress. “One inmate who was recently released called to let me know he had a job within three days and was involved in a local church. Another who had been out for a short time was attending AA meetings on a regular basis. So, they’re definitely making connections.”
Crystal Younger is emphatic about the importance of the program: “If there’s one thing I want the public to know, it’s this—some citizens are famous for saying, ‘Just put them in jail and give them bread and water.’ That concept is fundamentally flawed, because all of these inmates are going back into the community. The question to ask yourself is whether you would rather your neighbor be a former inmate who sat in a cell for five years, or someone who had the opportunity to learn about a different way of living and be equipped with useful skills to help them be productive. Turning a negative into a positive is true rehabilitation; that’s our goal.”
For additional information on 180 or to volunteer, contact Crystal Younger at 966-1845.
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