Renaissance was organized as a nonprofit corporation in 1972 with three original incorporators leading the vision of a community-based “receiving home” for youth.
ORIGINAL INCORPORATORS: Dr. Glenn Bryant, Minister; Hon. George M. Foote, City of Alexandria Judge; Hon. Guy E. Humphries, Jr., 9th JDC Judge.
FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Dr. Sarah Frances Anders, Richard Burgess, Rev. R.K. Friedrich, Howard Joffrion, Msgr. Frederick Lyons, Dr. Ronald Pryer, John C. Wagnon.
Land was secured from the abandoned Central Louisiana State Hospital vegetable farm. An old “potato shed” was renovated with donated funds and help from civic clubs. A grant was approved by the Red River Delta and the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement to begin operations in March 1973 with 12 boys capacity. The need was apparent for an alternative to adult jail or reform school warehousing for kids (boys and girls) who deserved a second chance.
Renaissance was licensed by the State of Louisiana in 1974 and a two mil ad valorem tax to support Renaissance was approved by the electorate of Rapides parish that year. Renaissance was a leader in Louisiana’s participation in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.
A capital expansion plan was implemented which included a renovated secure detention center (1976); first girls facility (1977); juvenile detention center/admin complex (1985); shelter care facility “Hathorn Center” (1986); one room schoolhouse (2000); covered basketball court (2004); Renaissance Education Center (2008); new administration building (2022); visitation center (2023).
Ad valorem funding renewal was approved in 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014 as well as State of Louisiana contracts with the Office of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Children and Family Services.
Renaissance was first accredited by the American Correctional Association in 1996 and remains accredited for the residential and detention programs.
Funding is provided by State of Louisiana contracts with the Office of Juvenile Justice, grants and ad valorem funding renewal which was approved in 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014.
Since 1973, Renaissance has recorded over 15,000 client admissions. The focus remains community-based for our children. Today, Renaissance provides a wide range “continuum of care” for boys and girls in need of protection and correction. WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
RENAISSANCE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Dr. Glenn Bryant (1973-1976)
Dr. Sarah Frances Anders (1977)
Dr. Ronald Pryer (1978)
Rev. Roland K. Friedrich (1979)
Mr. John Wagnon (1980)
Mr. Harold DeKeyzer (1981)
Mr. Richard Burgess (1982-1983)
Mr. Edgar C. Hathorn (1984-1987)
Mr. Edwin “Bud” Paul (1988-1989)
Mrs. Sheryl Laing (1990-1991)
Capt. George Fuller (1992)
Mr. Edward L. Crump, Jr. (1993-1994)
Rev. Doyle L. Bailey (1995-1996)
Mr. Jon Grafton (1997-1998)
Mayor David C. Butler II (1999-2000)
Dr. David T. Britt (2001)
Mr. Michael T. Johnson (2002)
Mrs. Thelma R. Chambley (2003)
Mr. Edwin J. Caplan (2004)
Mr. Richard Bushnell (2005)
Mr. Brooks Harris (2006-2007)
Mr. Jim Elder (2008)
Mr. Robbie Laborde (2009-2010)
Mr. John Hall (2011-2012)
Mr. Larry Spottsville (2013)
Mr. Brad Colwell (2014-2015)
Ms. Vanessa Barger (2016-2017)
Mr. Brent Croom (2018-2019)
Ms. Denise Fossett (2020-2021)
Mr. Harry Ingalls (2022-2023)