(504) 766-7499 | info@dbinola.org | 2129 Oretha Castle Haley #C, New Orleans, LA 70113
Our Works
Our After School Program
Daughters Beyond Incarceration (DBI) offers an 8-week after-school program each fall and spring, tailored specifically for girls aged 8 to 18 who have a parent currently or formerly incarcerated. he program sessions are held from Monday to Thursday and focus on specific skills or needs identified through discussions with caregivers and school partners during the intake process. DBI partners with schools to identify participants and determine which sessions will be most impactful for the mentees. The weekly schedule is structured to address various aspects of the girls’ well-being and development. We start by identifying the unique needs of our participants through in-depth discussions with mentees, caregivers and one another. This feedback helps us design targeted sessions that address their specific challenges and aspirations. Our partnership with schools ensures that our program remains responsive and impactful, with weekly activities structured around the girls’ well-being and developmental needs. By involving our young participants in the planning process, we ensure that their voices are integral to shaping the program’s content and approach.
DBI offers a Policy Fellowship program that empowers high school girls with incarcerated parents to become informed advocates and leaders. Over a six-month period, participants earn $3,000 to attend learning sessions from Monday to Thursday, where they learn critical civic topics. The program kicks off with a Youth Day at the U.S. Capitol, where fellows advocate for issues affecting children of incarcerated parents. Our mentees use these experiences and skills to draft policies that improve the quality of life for 94,000 children in Louisiana with Incarcerated parents. So far, we have filled and passed bills to lower phone fees, improve the quality of visitation rooms, and allow incarcerated parents to attend graduation virtually.
(DBI) organizes Youth Violence Prevention Week, an initiative focused on addressing the high rates of youth incarceration and violence in Louisiana and advocating for better conditions for young people. This week-long program targets youth from across the state and involves them in events that highlight their concerns regarding recent legislation, gender-based violence, and gun violence. y centering the voices of young people, we empower them to be the drivers of change. They identify their key issues and propose solutions, which we incorporate into the week’s activities. This approach honors their expertise and ensures that our advocacy efforts are grounded in the real experiences and insights of the youth we serve.
Launching this fall, DBI is piloting a new program in collaboration with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. This initiative will support 10 high school girls with parents incarcerated at the Orleans Justice Center. The program integrates after-school activities with virtual graduations, parent-teacher conferences, and school events. We are also offering parenting and group therapy classes for the parents, aiming to strengthen family bonds and support the academic success of their children. This pilot, inspired by the graduation bill from our youth policy program (HRC 22), will be refined based on feedback from participants and their families. Our goal is to enhance graduation rates and holistic development, reflecting DBI’s commitment to academic excellence and family support.
POLICY & ADVOCACY
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Policy Advocacy Fellowship
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Media Arts Externship
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Life & Leadership
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Legislative Day
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Public Speaking Opportunities
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External Activities/Outings
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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1-on-1 Counseling and Therapy Session
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Small Group Well-Being Circles
(including storytelling opportunities for healing)
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Physical Movement & Art Therapy
(including yoga and meditation)
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Financial Response
(i.e. “Rapid Response”)
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Resource Connection
(with community partners)
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Mentorship Networking Opportunities