We first met “Deondre” as an 11th grader arrested for carrying a gun for his own protection. Deondre had been struggling for a while—he wasn’t attending school, feared being robbed or killed in his neighborhood, and was working at a smoothie shop to support himself and his baby son. The two of them were living off friends’ couches and fending for themselves. Arrest became yet another hurdle that Deondre had to overcome.
After Deondre was released from jail, he met with Ashton, his LCCR youth advocate. Deondre was ready for a change and shared with Ashton his goals: to earn his high school degree, find a good job, and be present and a good role model for his son. Deondre’s relationship with his own parents was fractured: his father wasn’t in his life and his mother was no longer providing him with support. Deondre said it was hard growing up without a father, and that he struggled to figure everything out on his own. He didn’t want his son to have to struggle like he did.
Ashton got to work on one of Deondre’s biggest barriers: his need for a birth certificate and proof of residency to apply for jobs and housing. Ashton walked Deondre through the process of getting these documents, even going with him to the Office of Motor Vehicles.
However, Deondre knew that his living situation in Baton Rouge was unsustainable. He and his son couldn’t keep bouncing between friends’ houses each week—that lifestyle was already taking a toll. Determined to create a better home life, Deondre chose to leave Baton Rouge for New Orleans, where he could stay with his girlfriend’s family. It was a big life decision, but one he knew was necessary for his family’s future. Once relocated to a safer and more stable home environment, Deondre was finally able to start a HiSet program to earn his high school degree.
Earlier this year, Deondre’s court case in Baton Rouge was closed. Since then, Deondre has remained focused on earning his HiSET and providing a better life for his son. He has also been working hard to get a new job.
As Deondre’s team has gotten to know him over the past year, they saw how motivated and kind he is. Watching him prioritize his son while working toward his personal goals has been truly inspiring. Deondre has met every challenge with determination, moved his family to a better situation, and stayed committed to his vision for the future. We are confident that his hard work will lead to even greater success.
Like Deondre, there are many kids trapped in the legal system due to a lack of resources and support. What Deondre really needed was a stable home for him and his child, a steady income, and to no longer fear for his safety. Jailing Deondre only added more chaos to his situation and, worse, risked him losing the custody of the person he loves most in this world: his little boy. By addressing the full range of needs experienced by Deondre, we’ve helped set him up for success and taken him off the path of future arrest and legal system involvement.
