by Laryssa Leone, reporter
Michelle Freeman has experienced firsthand what it’s like to have a son at the Nebraska Youth Correctional Facility. Freeman hopes that when her son is up for release, Generation Diamond, a non-profit organization that helps youth and young adults get back on their feet post incarceration, will be there to support him.
Generation Diamond’s Executive Director & Founder Blanac Mejia states, “Generation Diamond is everybody, it’s you guys. Generation Diamond gives support to each other to make sure they don’t go back.”
Blanca and Michelle are active members of the program to assist people with similar situations to Michelle’s son. They provide housing, food and have recently added a tattoo removal service to their program. Generation Diamond is partnered with Carpenter’s Union, to create employment opportunities with reliable benefits.
The Omaha News reached out to Loretta Wells, the warden of the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility to speak about the programs they have there. Loretta explained that there are over a dozen programs such as reentry planning, vocational training and their educational services that ensure each inmate leaves with their high school diploma or GED.
For Michelle, with the help of Generation Diamond she sees a second chance for her son. “ I can, I can hopefully change my son’s life. For the better, you know.”
