Elayn Hunt Correctional Center’s Lifers’ Association Banquet

PJI’s Client and Family Assistance Coordinator, Mara Abramson, was honored at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center’s Lifers’ Association Annual Banquet. Elayn Hunt’s Lifers’ Association serves to organize, inspire, support, and empower incarcerated individuals in their efforts to succeed.

Mara spoke at the banquet, talking to incarcerated men about the services PJI’s Client and Family Assistance program provides, including family visits, correspondence, basic medical and hygiene care, books, and general advocacy.

Mara also discussed current trends in criminal justice reform and the state of over-incarceration in Louisiana, quoting Governor John Bel Edwards when he said “You will never convince me that the people of Louisiana are innately more sinister or criminal than elsewhere. So what are we doing?”

Mara concluded her presentation by telling the Association members “All of this is to say, I know that sometimes it can feel hopeless. I know that it can just feel like you’re going through the motions, trying to make it another day, feeling like there’s no one out there who is looking out for you. But I want you to know that there is a huge community out here advocating that you, and people like you, get a real chance to succeed.”