Prior to the Gala, a news conference will be held inside the Elmore Room beginning at 5:00pm at the Watergate Hotel, 2650 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20037. Those attending the press event to address the media include:
- U.S. Senator James Lankford (OK), a leading advocate for criminal justice reform;
- Matthew Charles, Families Against Mandator Minimums (FAMM), former prisoner released after the passage of the FIRST STEP Act;
- Emily Colson, speaker, author, and daughter of the late Chuck Colson;
- James Ackerman, President and C.E.O., Prison Fellowship;
- Craig DeRoche, Senior V.P. of Advocacy, Public Policy, Prison Fellowship;
- Heather Rice-Minus, V.P. of Government Affairs, Prison Fellowship;
- Lindsay Holloway, Executive Director, This is Living Ministries; and
Prison Fellowship, joined by a bipartisan coalition of more than 270 organizations, is seeking to reduce the social stigma and barriers that plague Americans with a criminal record—one in four adults—who are trying to re-enter society and become contributing members of their communities.
SECOND CHANCE MONTH
For far too many who have served time behind bars, release from incarceration brings a new kind of prison. Some 65 million Americans have a criminal record. This limits their access to jobs, education, housing and other things necessary for a full and productive life. Any hope of a new identity while incarcerated can be quickly lost upon release when faced with the “second prison”—the more than 44,000 documented social stigmas and legal restrictions that inhibit opportunities to rebuild someone’s life after paying a debt to society. Second Chance Month is a national effort to raise awareness about these barriers men and women face and to unlock brighter futures for people with a criminal record.
#SecondChanceMonth #SecondChances #WeBelieveInSecondChances
ABOUT PRISON FELLOWSHIP
Prison Fellowship is the nation’s largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform. With more than 40 years of experience helping restore men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship advocates for federal and state criminal justice reforms that transform those responsible for crime, validate victims, and encourage communities to play a role in creating a safe, redemptive, and just society.
MEDIA OUTREACH
If you are a member of the media and plan on attending the news conference, please contact Jim Forbes at (703) 554-8540 or email at Jim_forbes@pfm.org so a press packet can be prepared.
