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Our Story

I REALIZED THE UNIQUENESS I HAD TO OFFER TO ALL CHILDREN IMPACTED BY PARENTAL INCARCERATION. AND SO I STARTED DAUGHTERS BEYOND INCARCERATION, ALONG WITH MY FATHER.
Dominque Jones-Johnson

Dominque Jones-Johnson has been sharing her story regarding her father’s incarceration and its consequential influence on her, all while fostering a constructive influence on the DBI girls. In its infancy she recognized the need for more comprehensive and holistic approach to healing and reconciliation for these girls.

By recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, Dominque is demonstrating a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these girls and a commitment to providing them with the support they need to heal and thrive. This kind of approach will be instrumental in helping young girls overcome obstacles and empower them to build better futures for themselves.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to uplift and empower Black girls affected by parental incarceration. We are committed to break down barriers and cultivating a brighter future for these young girls, aged 8 to 18.

Our Vision

Our Vision is a future where Black girls who navigated parental incarceration become narrative, policy and practice changemakers within our city, state and nation.

Our Values

  • INCLUSIVENESS

    We prioritize the importance of being a safe haven for our girls, in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. This permanent community embraces differences and promotes respect for all. In other words, "once you're in, you're in."

  • EQUITY

    We recognize that the different circumstanes and need of each individual calls for a tailored reallocation of resources and opportunities in order for our girls to thrive.

  • SELF-CARE

    We view this lesson simply and clearly: caring for yourself is necessary before you can properly care for others.

  • COMPASSION

    We commit ourselves to compassionately serving our girls with empathy, respect and dignity.

Our Why

Our Impact

 In Louisiana, nearly 1 in 7 children experience parental incarceration, four times the national average, affecting over 94,000 young lives across the state. This crisis disproportionately impacts Black communities, where systemic inequities are starkly visible: Black people comprise only 32% of Louisiana’s population yet represent more than two-thirds of those behind bars.

Since May 2018, DBI has directly responded to this urgent need by mentoring more than 70 girls impacted by parental incarceration in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Through our work, we provide critical support, guidance, and hope to young people navigating one of childhood’s most challenging circumstances, demonstrating that with the right intervention, these girls can build resilient futures despite extraordinary obstacles.

Every girl we mentor represents not just one life changed, but a cycle interrupted and a community strengthened.

Our Girls

Get Involved

At DBI, we’re building a movement rooted in connection, empowerment, and opportunity; we need your help to shape it.

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