Our first-ever Impact Report is here! What began with six formerly incarcerated men determined to give back has grown into a decade of reentry support and second chances.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve helped more than 4,500 people returning home from incarceration with transitional housing, job support, public benefits, emergency aid, and more.
Because of this community-powered work, our participants’ recidivism rate is under 10% — in contrast to Louisiana’s 43% statewide average (per LA Dept. of Public Safety & Corrections).
Check out our full Impact Report on our website and support us this #GiveNOLADay — link in bio!
This Sunday, we are celebrating the graduates of our 9 Steps to Staying Free class! These graduates have shown up consistently to our weekly peer support group and demonstrated their commitment to themselves and their community.
Join us on Sunday, from 8:45-10:45am at 3536 St Ferdinand St!
Come join us for our Rising Artists’ Market on Wednesday, May 20th, from 4–6pm! Our justice-impacted vendors will be promoting their art & entrepreneurship. Be sure to bring cash to support their small businesses!
Join us in congratulating our Executive Director, Courtney Evans, in receiving the 2026 @gnofundersnetwork Restoration and Rejuvenation Initiative Community Champion Distinguished Service Award!
Courtney’s hard work, dedication, and leadership are what makes our work possible. Congratulations to all of the 2026 award recipients! It’s an honor for Courtney to be recognized among a cohort of New Orleans leaders dedicated to service.
Thank you to everyone who donated to The First 72+ for #GiveNOLADay. From our culinary school to our transitional housing, your support truly has an impact. We are so grateful!
Our last video drop for #GiveNOLADay highlights our work in decreasing recidivism rates in New Orleans. If you haven’t yet, head to the link in our bio to support our work and our justice-impacted community!
Let’s hear from our Chef, Re-Entry Coach, and former transitional housing resident Wayne Sneed about the cycle of giving and what #GiveNOLADay means to him.
Our fourth culinary cohort kicked off just yesterday. To ensure their success, consider donating at the link in our bio!
Hear from our Co-Founder, Pastor Tyrone Smith, about what keeps him involved in The First 72+ and what #GiveNOLADay means to him! Over a decade ago, Pastor Smith and 5 other formerly incarcerated men built the foundations of The First 72+ out of their own pockets.
Click the link in our bio to support our mission of “Us Helping Us” in breaking down barriers for our justice-impacted community!
#GiveNOLADay 2026 is live today! We’re on a mission to ensure the next cohort of our culinary program is a success. If you would like to sponsor a seat at the table and support our justice-impacted community members in advancing their careers, please consider giving this GiveNOLA Day!
Stay tuned throughout the day to hear from our leadership, staff, and community members about what The First 72+ means to them.
UPDATE: Out of an abundance of caution, our Rising Artists’ Market tonight has been postponed due to weather. Please help spread the word, and keep an eye out for our new date!
Early giving for #GiveNOLA day starts today, and we’re on a mission to ensure the next cohort of our Culinary Program is a success!
We’ve graduated 13 students since our culinary school opened in June, and interviews are already underway for our 4th cohort! To sponsor a seat at the table and support our justice-impacted community members in advancing their careers, please consider giving this GiveNOLA Day — either by scanning the QR code or clicking the link in our bio!
