THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, DC—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 2019 as Second Chance Month for the second consecutive year.  The Second Chance Month proclamation was signed at the White House late Friday.

"We are thrilled that President Trump has taken another bold move in helping Prison Fellowship and more than 270 organizations fight for those who have paid their debt to society," said James Ackerman, President and Chief Executive Officer for Prison Fellowship.  "After signing the historic FIRST STEP Act into law in December of 2018, President Trump continues 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.  This will help us to continue fighting for those 70 million Americans with criminal records—one in three adults—who wish to regain their dignity and make important contributions to society."

"We applaud President Trump for continuing to recognize and celebrate our returning neighbors," said Craig DeRoche, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy for Prison Fellowship. "This second proclamation gives us hope in our work to help people with a criminal record reach their God-given potential in life.  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 2019 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 2019 Presidential Proclamation, click here.