In April, we celebrate Second Chance Month, when we can all reflect on the importance of giving opportunities to people who have been incarcerated and are returning to their communities.
DRLA’s FAIR Program helps empower people like Nelson Davis, who was incarcerated for 43 years and has been home for only 30 months. After working with a local re-entry program through The First 72+, Mr. Davis was referred to DRLA’s FAIR program, working to correct an error that had prohibited his receiving benefits he was eligible for. He was able to save to purchase a car not quite a year ago, a 2011 (featured in the photos attached.)
Most recently, DRLA advocates assisted him in getting his dream apartment at Heritage Senior residences at Columbia Parc for less than he had been paying at the time. These brand new cottages and apartment homes were funded by FEMA, HUD, and the Housing Authority of New Orleans and are reserved for seniors 62 and older.
Working through referrals and along with FAIR Client Advocates, he was also able to obtain a loan for car repairs, which will jumpstart his credit profile. FAIR worked with Mr. Davis to help him secure a job as a janitor at a school in New Orleans, and then to strategically manage his benefits along with his employment income. He recently found out that his manager is considering making him a supervisor.
Mr. Davis begins his story, “The first thing that I needed was housing, and the second thing I needed was an automobile…I didn’t know where I was going to get an apartment…everything was done through God and patience. I advise anybody and everybody who is need of some type of assistance to get into your program.”
“A place to stay is something that everyone needs. It makes me comfortable to be able to pay bills, and stay out of the rain. I think everyone who needs help should have a goal they want to reach. And if you stay on the right path and your mind is on that goal, it’s going to come to you naturally. Because your in that state of mind. Try to help yourself and get into the program…I didn’t come out of that institution to end up with a wasted mind, you’ve got to know where you’re going. You’ve got to go to bed with an idea of what you want to do when you wake up in the morning…This is what these programs offer you, putting you in the position to be a responsible person to earn your financial needs. Not everyone gets that chance, but I was able to learn to help myself. In other words, I made the most of my second chance.”
Pictured from left to right are FAIR Program Manager Patrick Holmes, Client Advocate Juliana Matz, Nelson Davis, and Client Advocate Carolyn Lebrane Tilton, and the team is rounded out by Client Advocate Edward Johnson.
If you are interested in FAIR services please contact us at (800) 960-7705 or info@disabilityrightsla.org and mention the FAIR program. Program Manager Patrick Holmes is also available at (504) 208-4141 or pholmes@disabilityrightsla.org should you have questions regarding the program.
