The YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge announces the establishment of a community bail system that will provide bonds for individuals arrested in East Baton Rouge Parish on misdemeanor charges. On the morning of Thursday, December 20, the Community Bail Fund will post bail to secure the release of the first four clients from Parish Prison who will “Be Home for the Holidays”.
The YWCA CEO Dianna Payton stated, “The goal of the program is Justice. Many non-violent, un-convicted citizens in East Baton Rouge Parish are held in jail because they do not have the resources to pay several hundred dollars required to bond out. The Community Bail Fund is not in place to undermine the justice system, but to allow individuals to continue their lives until they have been arraigned and judged guilty or not guilty." The Fund will not offer bail for violent offenses.
Without the ability to pay bail, many lose their jobs, their housing, and their children all before they have been convicted of any wrongdoing. Many spend more time behind bars than would be required by the actual offense they are charged with, if found guilty.
The Community Bail Fund will pool money to pay bail for residents of East Baton Rouge Parish. As their cases are resolved, the bail paid revolves back to the Fund, available to help other defendants in need. In addition to providing funds for bail, the YWCA will connect clients upon release with needed services such as housing, treatment, mental-health counseling, job skills training, support group information, etc.
The Community Bail Fund Program is made possible in partnership with: Winfred and Kevin Reilly Jr., Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, Foundation For Louisiana, The Office of EBRP Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, The Law Office of the Public Defender, The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Love Alive Church, The Baton Rouge Alcohol & Drug Center, Young Adult Re-Entry Social Services (YARSS), and SAMHSA ReCAST.
About YWCA Greater Baton Rouge
YWCA’s mission is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Contact: Dianna Payton, CEO YWCA Greater Baton Rouge, 225-200-8881; paytond@ywca-br.org