Syrita Steib founded Operation Restoration to build a community and support system for women impacted by incarceration through education.

OR hosted the first Bridging the Gap Symposium, “Real Women, Real Voices,” in partnership with The Ladies of Hope Ministries.

OR wrote and successfully advocated for the passage of LA Act 276 (Ban the Box), becoming the first state to prohibit public state colleges from asking about criminal history in admissions.

OR opened The Closet, a boutique-style atmosphere with a full range of new and gently used clothing, accessories and hygiene products offered to women at no cost.

OR absorbed the Louisiana  Prison Education Coalition and started offering education programming both in prison (College-In-Prison Program) and in the community (Women FIRST Clinic).

Operation Social Services was launched to provide wrap-around support services to women and girls.

Operation Housing was launched to connect formerly incarcerated and legal system-involved women with housing resources.

OR launched the CANScantStand campaign to repeal Louisiana’s Crime Against Nature Statute (CANS).

OR partnered with Newcomb Art Museum at Tulane University to create the exhibition Per(Sister).

OR absorbed the Safety & Freedom Fund.

OR participated in the Louisiana Legislative Task Force on Women’s Incarceration, writing a 22-page report that was submitted in May 2020 the State Legislature and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

OR opened its new office at Benson Tower.

OR co-hosted three post-Hurricane Ida relief events in impacted communities outside of metro New Orleans.

OR drafted and advocated for the passage of HB 248, reducing supervision fees when a person is released on parole under inactive supervision, and HB 325, requiring law enforcement to allow primary caretakers to make reasonable arrangements for their dependent(s) when arrested.

OR began its Lab Assistant Program to prepare currently and formerly incarcerated women to work in laboratory healthcare settings and obtain employment with pathways for upward mobility in the field of clinical laboratory science.

OR continued to build and support a national coalition of formerly incarcerated people to advocate for education policy change.

OR relaunched the Operation Girls program, dedicated to creating a safe space for girls (ages 10-17) directly and indirectly impacted by incarceration.

OR's Lab Assistant Program expanded to provide a six-month training program at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. 

OR received a $2 million gift from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving foundation.

OR's Senior Advisor of Quality Care, Montrell Carmouche, served on the advisory board for the exhibit Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration at the New Orleans Historic Collection.

OR was selected to participate as a vendor at the Democratic National Convention.