OCALA | A young girl in her early 20s, Brittney Lavan is the youngest member of the Passport to Success program offered to those in prison desiring to reacclimate when they get out. The program offers spiritual, emotional, and practical help and follows up with participants after their release, providing resources to assist them.
Lavan said her life began a downward spiral when she started experimenting with drugs. But prison changed her and the St. Peter Claver ministry offered by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul ac- companied her on her journey of transformation.
While working on getting her GED, when she was approached about the program, Lavan recalled, “I was already preparing for when I got out, to be a better citizen in society. So, the program completed the picture.”
She said the spiritual piece of Passport to Success helped her understand why people go back to family “even if they’re not good for us.” “It helped with relationships with people and taught me about the good and bad effects they can have on us. It gave me a perspective on what I want and don’t want around me.” She’s most grateful for restoring her relationship with her young daughter.
Her goals for the 12-week program at the Florida Women Reception Center in Ocala centered on family restoration, securing employment, and advancing her edu- cation. Through discipline, dedication, and determination, she met her goals, exceeding expectations. “It helped me with getting ready for my release, with getting closer to God; it gave me an understand- ing of the outside when I got out of there. It prepared me for what I was going to do when I left. It gave me structure, and it gave me guidance,” said Lavan.
She said the spiritual piece of Passport to Success helped her understand why people go back to family “even if they’re not good for us.” “It helped with relationships with people and taught me about the good and bad effects they can have on us. It gave me a perspective on what I want and don’t want around me.” She’s most grateful for restoring her relationship with her young daughter.
Lavan acknowledges it wasn’t easy. She left the reception center and went into a women’s transitional housing for six months. It was strict with constant camera surveillance and church every day. “But it gave me an understanding of how to maintain and live a structured life the right way,” said La- van. “It did good for me, and I was really prepared when I left.”
Two years later, Lavan is working two jobs and going to school for a nursing degree and says this is just the beginning. She finishes her medical coding and billing course in the spring then will work at a hospital for one year. She urges others to take advantage of the program. She said, “It’s important for your life and to do good. It’s very helpful, family oriented, and makes you feel like you’re a part of something and you have somebody when you walk out (of prison), and you’re not alone.” Lavan added, “It’s nice to know that’s behind you and that you have family behind you when you get out of there.”
Nicole Calixte is the women’s program manager who keeps in touch with Lavan, part of the accompaniment piece of the pro- gram. She said, “Brittney’s story is one of immense strength and resilience. Her success underscores the importance of second chances and serves as a powerful reminder that change is possible for anyone willing to work for it. Brittany’s de- termination to redefine her life is not only a testament to the human spirit but also a source of hope and motivation for others facing similar challenges.”
Calixte is invested since she has experience within her own family of incarceration. At age 18, she stepped in to visit her two siblings and deal with their situation. “I didn’t realize (God) was preparing me at that time for such a time as this,” she said. “I’m passionate about helping men and women. Being able to see life change and going through the process of working with them, you begin to see the metamorphosis take place and the light bulb turn on. You see the change and that sparkle in their eye,” she said. “And to see them accomplish their goals and do great things… To let them know their past doesn’t define who they are.”
She tells participants, “No matter what, you can do this – despite what happened; despite what people say. We have faith and believe you can do all things through Christ,” Calixte said, adding she shares the Word of God with them convinced, “If you apply it, it will work.”
By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, August 27, 2025