WASHINGTON, D.C.— Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump proclaimed April 2018 as Second Chance Month, late Friday evening.
"President Trump has taken a bold move in helping Prison Fellowship and more than 135 organizations fight for those who have paid their debt to society. The President is right to stand up for those who continue to face tens of thousands of barriers to education, jobs, housing and the things they need to lead a full and productive life," said James Ackerman, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship. "We are fighting for those 65 million Americans with criminal records—one in four adults—who wish to regain their dignity and make important contributions to society."
"We applaud President Trump for recognizing and celebrating our returning neighbors. This proclamation gives us hope in our work to help people with a criminal record reach their God-given potential in life," said Craig DeRoche, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy. "The barriers placed on people who have paid their debt to society wastes human potential and adds to recidivism, ultimately jeopardizing public safety. By declaring April as Second Chance Month, this enables us to further educate Americans about these obstacles and work toward solutions that will unlock second chances and create more flourishing communities."
To view a copy of the Presidential Proclamation, click here.
Prison Fellowship also thanks U.S. Senators Rob Portman (OH) and Amy Klobuchar (MN) and U.S. Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA) and Jason Lewis (MN) for introducing Second Chance Month resolutions (S.Res.440 and H.Res.789).
SECOND CHANCE MONTH
Every person has dignity and potential. But one in four American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things they need to reach that potential. Join with Prison Fellowship in celebrating "Second Chance Month" in April! Together we can unlock brighter futures for 65 million Americans who have repaid their debt to society.