Non-violent, un-convicted citizens in Baton Rouge are being held in jail because they do not have the ability to pay several hundred dollars on the spur of the moment. The purpose of bail funds is to help those who are awaiting trial and are unable to secure their release due to a lack of funds.
Our goal is not to subvert justice, but to allow these individuals to continue their lives until they have been arraigned and judged as guilty or not guilty. We do not offer bail for violent offenders. Without bail, those arrested with no ability to pay, will lose their jobs, their housing and their children, all before they have been convicted of any wrong-doing.
Equal justice is promised to all in our country, whether wealthy or poor. Yet, the bail system creates a two-tier system: One for people with money, and one for everyone else. The goal of the YWCA Bail Fund is to pay bail for non-violent, un-convicted citizens. Our mission is to create a fairer system, one that truly treats people as equals. We do not offer bail for violent offenders. We hope you willhelp us achieve justice for all, rich or poor.
We are particularly mindful of assisting individuals during the holidays and/or in the summer months when their children are not in school and in need of a parent’s care and support. You can donate to the fund on the YWCA Greater Baton Rouge website at ybca-br.org. Or, you may send a donation to our administrative offices and specify your donation to YWCA Bail Fund. The YWCA is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Your donation enhances justice.
