Montrell Carmouche, Senior Advisor and Quality Care Innovator at Operation Restoration, joined FOX 8 to share more about our Second Chance Month Pop Ups

As we move deeper into this new year, I am both reflecting and committed to true restoration. January invites us to remember where we come from, recommit to justice, and continue building systems that allow us to thrive.

As we move deeper into this new year, I am both reflecting and committed to true restoration. January invites us to remember where we come from, recommit to justice, and continue building systems that allow us to thrive.

We are proud to share that Operation Girls, our youth program serving girls impacted by incarceration, was recently featured on Fox 8 News.

During the interview, participants Chloe and I’Janae represented the program and shared the story behind their student-led small business, Lux Laboratory.

As we move deeper into this new year, I am both reflecting and committed to true restoration. January invites us to remember where we come from, recommit to justice, and continue building systems that allow us to thrive.

The holiday season is usually a time for gratitude, joy, reflection and rest.  But currently, I find myself troubled with the direction our country is headed. Especially when that direction seems to impact the people who are the most vulnerable in society .

The holiday season is usually a time for gratitude, joy, reflection and rest.  But currently, I find myself troubled with the direction our country is headed. Especially when that direction seems to impact the people who are the most vulnerable in society .

For generations, women who resisted or spoke out against abuse were punished or ignored. Now, as more women fight for their safety and claim ownership of their bodies, they are being criminalized for surviving.

Every September, the National Coalition for Literacy takes a week to raise awareness about the need and value for adult education and family literacy. As an organization that creates new educational and career pathways for currently and formerly incarcerated women, we believe when people are equipped with the tools they need to thrive, the impact on communities is immeasurable.

In 2025, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. The disproportionate impacts of economic disparities and social injustice on Black communities underscore the vital need for resources to support Black-led nonprofits. 

As we take the time to reset and invest in the future of Operation Restoration, it is imperative that we bring to the forefront the persistent challenges incarcerated women face in Louisiana.

The 2025 Louisiana legislative session has been a reminder of why we must remain steadfast in our advocacy as we continue to fight laws that are detrimental to our communities. This year, Operation Restoration advocated for the passage of a critical bill that removes barriers for incarcerated people to access education.

May has been a powerful reminder of why we do this work. From honoring the educators in our lives to celebrating the women we serve, this month has been full of reasons to recognize growth, perseverance and success.

Thirteen incarcerated students at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women will be the first cohort to receive Tulane University degrees this August after graduating from the College-In-Prison Program.

The School of Professional Advancement and Operation Restoration, an organization to support women impacted by incarceration, are partners in the program and work together to provide women with resources for a successful transition out of prison.

Between 70 and 100 million adults nationwide have an arrest or conviction record. While many return to their community ready to recognize their full potential, restore their lives and discover new possibilities, several outdated, unjust laws create constant hurdles that make it impossible to succeed.

Just last April, a new state law took effect which lowered the age of adults to 17 years old for criminal offenses. Nearly one year later, a proposed amendment could expand the court’s ability to send minors to adult prisons for any offense. This action will be determined by whether or not we, as voters, show up to the polls and make our voices heard.

Historically, February has been a month designated to honor and highlight the many milestones and achievements of Black leaders, innovators and creators. Right now, as we witness the attack on human rights across the country, it can cause us to question whether we have progressed at all.