ABOUT THE CORNERSTONE BUILDER’S BUS PROGRAM
Cornerstone Builders’ Bus Project provides a free monthly bus service for New Orleanians who have loved ones in five Louisiana detention facilities (map):
- Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola)
- Dixon Correctional Institute
- Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women, St Gabriel
- Avoyelles Correctional Center
- Rayburn Correctional Center
At least once a month, the Bus Project rents a 55 passenger bus and makes the trek to different facilities from New Orleans, at an average cost of $1,000 per trip. There are two important objectives for the bus trips:
- to ensure the trips are free to those who cannot afford it
- the buses are coach-style buses with air conditioning and restrooms.
The rides often last more than two hours one way. The travel itself should be as stress-free and comfortable as possible for the family members.
To contact Cornerstone Builders about reserving a ride, please call 504.324.4432 during business hours.
More details via WWNO: http://wwno.org/post/
2017 Cornerstone Bus Schedule [.docx]
Parts of an interview with Leo Jackson, one of the founders of the Cornerstone Builders’ Bus Project:
How the Bus Project started [2:25]:
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About the 5 correctional facilities that the bus visits [1:54]:
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How people find out about the bus [0:26]:
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Why the bus project is necessary [1:05]:
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Why the bus rides are free [1:40]:
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These are some stories from riders who wanted to tell about the importance of the bus service:
“Last time I saw the person [I’m visiting] – before the bus – was in 2003…. I was one of those people on the inside. And I never had a visitor … for the same reason. No one could get to me.” [3:17]
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“My foot got crushed at work, and I can’t drive long distances, so that’s why I’m riding the bus today.” [3:44]
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“[I heard about the bus] from my son in Angola. I told him I didn’t have a way to go up there, and he told me about this bus.” [3:21]
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one rider takes the LA Swift bus from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, then takes the Cornerstone Bus from New Orleans, back through Baton Rouge to Angola and back to New Orleans, and then takes the LA Swift back home from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. [2:52]
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One of the bus chaperonnes talks about his re-entry experiences after being released from Rayburn CC. [3:50]
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an interview with a rider in July 2012 [0:58]
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When is the next time for a bus ride to Angola State Prison
July 20th, 2013 is the next tentative date for a ride to Angola.
When is the next bus trib to Dixon Correctional Center? I do not have a car. My son is there and I am raising his child and she need to see her father as often as possible through this bus program.
September 21st is the next tentative date for Dixon. Be sure to call first to confirm your spot and that the ride is going there on that morning.
When is the next ride Angola?
Bus or bike?
Bus
December 21st. Tentatively.
So is the bus really free? And do u get to ride back on the bus? Also if yu see your love one starting at 10am what time are the buses scheduled to leave to go back to new orleans for?
Hey Ashley,
The bus is completely free. That’s where the money we raise goes. The bus brings you both ways. The return time depends on the prison and the number of visitors. They don’t usually return until everyone has had a chance to see their loved one.
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I can never get someone to answer the phone to reserve a spot on the bus
Did you leave a message?
Yes, is there only one contact someone? I have called several times.
I meant 1 way to contact someone
I’m afraid so. They can be reached at 504.324.4432. I’m afraid it is office hours, but you can leave a message.
Hi do they still give bus rides to Angola? I tried the contact number it says: no longer in service.
They do! I’m sorry about that. The church phone has been going in and out. Please call 504.324.4432 to sign up for a bus.