Youth inmates volunteer services

Inmates at The Bridge City Correctional Center for Youth were cheered by local organizations for their work in the community at an awards ceremony held in October.

The event commemorated the conclusion of a community partnership program at the center that allowed youth housed at the facility to leave the grounds and volunteer with local organizations. Eight young men were presented with certificates of completion for their work at organizations, including a local church, elementary school, senior center and food bank.

The youth correctional center is an all-male facility that houses about 126 youths from throughout the state.

Michael Gaines, the deputy director of programs for the facility, said the volunteer program is part of the new therapeutic model in place at the correctional center, which focuses on rehabilitating the young men. Gaines said the facility is trying to help the youth build better relationships and develop better habits. Young people who demonstrated good behavior and adhered to all rules at the facility were allowed to participate in the volunteer program.

"Every kid can learn, unlearn and re-learn," Gaines said.

The young men drew rave reviews from officials from the participating volunteer organizations.

Sonya Aucoin, with the Southeastern Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve, said the two young men who volunteered there really brightened up the day of veterans. Aucoin described the youth, who were only described as Rashide A. and Darnell H., as being respectful, well-behaved and ultimately a testament to the great job being done at the facility. The last names of the incarcerated youths were not released for privacy reasons.

"They're just amazing young men, and y'all can be very proud of them," Aucoin said.

All of the young men gave short speeches stating how they benefited from the volunteer program and the opportunity to help others. Darnell H. said volunteering gave him a special appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans.

"When I visited the war veterans home, I was told I was making a difference in the community, but I felt a difference in me," he said.

Kevin Smith, whose son was incarcerated at the facility, said he is impressed with the care offered young people at the facility. He commended the staff for being professional and positive, but most importantly for treating the youths like they were important.

"It's just a great thing that's going on here," Smith said.

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Allen Powell II can be reached at apowell@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3793.