Louisiana Parole Project

Andrew Hundley was sentenced at the age 15 to life in prison for a heinous crime.  Due to a Supreme Court ruling regarding life sentences for minors, he managed to get out after 19 years with time served.  He could have quietly tried to assimilate back into society working a regular job, but instead he chose to give back and while attending LSU to get a degree he co-founded the Louisiana Parole Project.  The organization provides advocacy, training, education, social skills, housing, etc. for prisoners about to be released or those that have already been released.  In fact, the LPP just assisted the 701st client who recently got out.  The Louisiana Parole Proect assists both men and women.  While still in prison they must learn a skill and get at least one certification.  What started out as a mission for Andrew Hundley, who is also the current Exectuve Director, has now become a full-time vocation.  He and his group are helping formally incarecerated persons become productive in society.  Also in the interview is john Paul Funes, who was a pillar in the Baton Rouge Medical and Business Community until he, using his words, "got greedy"  John Paul spent 33 months in a federal prison in Indiana but is now part of the Project.I must say I was one who always felt if someone committed a crime they needed to stay behind bars.  My trip to Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary, gave me a different perspective.  Afterall, 90% of all inmates will one day get our of prison and we need them to be good, productive citizens.  I truly believe this program could be emmulated in all 50 states.  Right now Louisiana is the only one doing it on this scale.Enjoy,KFIf you want to know more about the LPP please visit their website at:    www.paroleproject.org.