LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney Bridget Dinvaut challenged the graduates of her most recent diversion program class to make the most of their second chances.

Dinvaut was joined Jan. 14 by other elected officials and community leaders in celebrating the second St. John District Attorney’s Opportunity Now Graduation.

The 14 graduates were joined by family and friends as Dinvaut outlined her expectations for them to become productive citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish.

Program leaders said SJDA Opportunity Now differs from traditional diversion programs because it is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services that provides 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 in society.

Program participants underwent three months of intensive work readiness and life skills training with courses designed to help individuals accept their mistakes, make better choices and find and maintain employment.

Job placement and case management services are mandated aspects of the SJDA Opportunity Now Program.