NEW ORLEANS —Operation Restoration is one of 361 small nonprofits that billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced as recipients of $640 million in gifts. The New Orleans-based nonprofit received a $2 million dollar gift in response to a competitive Yield Giving Open Call that initially received more than 6,300 applications.
The award comes at the end of a year-long process, during which Operation Restoration’s programs and services were evaluated by Lever for Change, a nonprofit organization managing the process. Operation Restoration only applied for $1 million, but based on the rating received from their peers, evaluators recommended a larger dollar amount.
Founded in 2016 by Syrita Steib, Operation Restoration advocates for formerly incarcerated people, specifically women and girls. The organization offers more than 20 programs and services that provide education opportunities, transitional housing, advocacy, clothing, social services and direct assistance to clients.
“We are thrilled to receive this gift, which is the largest to date for Operation Restoration,” said Steib, president and CEO of the organization. “This gives us an opportunity to not only expand our efforts and the impact that we have on the lives of women and girls after incarceration, but it also gives us the ability to focus on our sustainability efforts for years to come.”
Among Operation Restoration’s offerings is the College-in-Prison program in partnership with Tulane University’s School of Professional Development. The program allows women at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women to earn a bachelor’s degree in social sciences.
Launched in March 2023, the Yield Giving Open Call focuses on elevating organizations working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the US — communities, families and individuals with the fewest foundational resources and opportunities.
