Transitional Work Release Program (TWP) Inmates donate to Toys for Tots

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet is pleased to announce that numerous children throughout Terrebonne Parish will be the recipient of close to $800 in donated toys and gifts from a typically unlikely source… INMATES!

Sheriff Tim Soignet was made aware that ten inmates of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Transitional Work Release Program (TWP), requested to make a donation towards the purchase of Christmas gifts/toys for the community of Terrebonne Parish. Sheriff Soignet confirmed the request with Corrections Staff and the Department of Corrections, and the request was granted. The monetary donation made by the inmates was derived from their personal financial accounts, that are directly linked to their employment within the TWP. The gifts derived from the donation, were then presented to the “Toys for Tots” foundation of Terrebonne Parish.

The Transitional Work Release Program is not something new to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, but the current program was re-established and enhanced at the onset of Sheriff Soignet’s acceptance as Sheriff. Inmates who are selected into the program, are allowed to work various jobs throughout several parishes, as a way to reacclimatize them to the work force and allow them to develop the tools necessary to become a productive member of society upon their release. The TWP has seen dramatic improvements within the program to not only assist the community by increasing workers, but to also rehabilitate and provide direction to inmates for their future beyond incarceration.

Sheriff Soignet would like to recognize the following inmates who participated so graciously in this endeavor: Christopher Boudreaux, Jearmie Bourg Jr, Andy Gautreaux, Jessie Lambas Jr, Grant Luke, Elgin Parfait Jr, Reginald Ratliff, Johnathon Stewart, Jerome Verdin, and Elroy Williams Sr. Sheriff Tim Soignet is extremely happy and honored to participate in such an amazing display of compassion and community. Sheriff Soignet said, “I am extremely proud of each and every inmate that developed and participated in this amazing venture. Our offenders in the program have made great strides in not only their employment, but in their personal growth. I understand that the TWP does not work for everyone, but this is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when we work together to make our community a better place for all. These men decided on their own to give back, and make a difference, and I believe they should be commended for their actions.”