No institution or system was designed for women and girls.
I have an obligation to dismantle systems that were never built for us. The reason I do what I do is for those I left behind.
— Syrita Steib, Operation Restoration Founder & President/CEO
The Problem
Women are the fastest growing carceral population, increasing at nearly double the rate of men since 1980.
53,693
women are released from prisons and jails in Louisiana each year
30%
of women released returned to prison within the first five years
80%
of incarcerated women are mothers
44%
of formerly incarcerated Black women are unemployed
OUR SOLUTION
An organization created by formerly incarcerated women that provides wrap-around services and programs for justice-impacted women and girls.
News & Media
Testimonials
-
![]()
I would have never been able to go to tulane before prison.
And to be in the first cohort to become accredited? Wow. That's remarkable.
— Monique, College in Prison student
-
![]()
Operation Girls has been really good to me.
It has also been healing to me and let me start a new and fresh journey.
— I’Janae, Operation Girls mentee -
![]()
You guys helped me get a job and find shelter.
You helped me feed my kids when I was homeless, and after learning about what you do I will be starting school with you soon as well.
— Operation Restoration client -
![]()
I am somebody.
I can now walk with my head up and say I will be a Tulane graduate. I will get my degree right before I am released.
— Kenisha, College in Prison Student
-
![]()
I was bailed out of jail by the Safety and Freedom Fund.
My spirit's been uplifted. Just take the steps he [OR's Bail Disrupter] needs you to take and he's got it from there.
— Rinada, Operation Restoration client -
![]()
Now that I know better, I definitely can do better.
I got connected with Operation Restoration through the college-in-prison program at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. I’m a better person and all I can do from here on out is give back. Today my family can actually say they’re proud of me. I am a Paralegal at Promise for Justice Initiative.
— Deidre Thomas
Follow our journey
