LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut announced her office’s initiative to bring about first steps to second chances through the Opportunity Now Diversion Program will host its first graduating class ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bot’s Place in LaPlace.

The program is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services to provide work readiness, life skills, job placement and other self-sufficiency services to qualified individuals who have made mistakes but are willing to earn another chance.

Program participants underwent three months of intensive work readiness and life skills training, and organizers said the courses are designed to help the individuals accept their mistakes, make better choices and prepare to find and maintain employment. Job placement and case management services are mandated aspects in the program.