BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
Santa
spread a little holiday cheer Friday in one of Baton Rouge's gloomiest places.
"It's
a time to get together, for family to spend together and share good family
moments," said Ashley Chaney.
It's the
holiday season, a time for toys and cheer. For some families, it is also a
reunion. The East Baton Rouge Parish Prison is normally a gloomy place, but for
some inmates it was a happy day.
"It's
a blessing," said Nefrititi Smith. "I'm enjoying every last moment, every
last moment."
"It's
something I can't even explain," said Courtney Brown. "It's not easy
to be in here," Chaney added.
The inmates
given to opportunity to spend time with their families so close to Christmas
have worked all year on bettering themselves through one of the prison's 19
self-help workshops. They have worked on things like self-esteem, decision-making
and addiction. They have been learning about themselves and how to stay on the
straight and narrow when they get out.
"Life
is about choices. This jail thing, they broke me. They don't ever have to worry
about me coming back," Smith explained.
As a
reward, the inmates got to share some holiday cheer with their families.
"It
feels good to be able to see the smile on their faces, to get them something
for Christmas," said Brown.
"I
just want to be home with her to share all these memories together," said
Chaney.
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