Creating Honorable Opportunities that Involve Community, Education, and Service (CHOICES)

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Louisiana leads the U.S. in the rate of incarceration with in excess of 15,000 ex-offenders scheduled for re-entry back into communities. Grambling State University will partner with New Living Word Ministries (NLWM), Inc. to design and implement a replicable re-entry model that focuses on agrarian populations. The overall goal of Project CHOICES (Creating Honorable Opportunities that Involve Community, Education, and Services) is to provide a seamless transition for ex-offenders re-entering communities in north Louisiana. The project proposes to: develop four partnerships with correctional facilities; mentor, educate, and train 60 ex-offenders; and create, design, and implement a replicable seamless transition model. The demonstration project will foster the successful re-integration into the community, reduce the percentage of recidivism, revitalize communities through service, and create jobs through small business development and entrepreneurship. Grant funds will be used for personnel costs, contractual costs, travel expenses, and other costs necessary for the implementation of the proposed project.

NCA/NCF