Ohio U.S. Senator Rob Portman to be Presented with 2022 Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award During Thursday Event in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, OH—Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest Christian outreach to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, is presenting the 2022 Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award to Sen. Rob Portman for boldly championing second chances and safer communities as a United States Senator.
Throughout his tenure on Capitol Hill, Sen. Portman has affirmed the dignity and potential of the one in three American adults with a criminal record. Sen. Portman authored the Second Chance Act, facilitating hundreds of critical federal investments in drug treatment, job training, housing, and education for men and women leaving prison and jail. As lead sponsor of the annual Second Chance Month Resolution, Sen. Portman has highlighted the work of Prison Fellowship and over 700 national partners in breaking down barriers to success for Americans who have served their time. Through his key leadership on the EQUAL Act, Sen. Portman is working alongside civil rights, law enforcement, and faith-based partners to end unjust, inconsistent punishments for crack and powder cocaine crimes in federal law.
On Thursday, November 17, 2022, Sen. Portman will receive the 2022 Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower, 1360 West Mall Drive, beginning at 7:00PM. This event is generously sponsored by the Justice Action Network and will feature catering by EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute.
Cleveland-area media are invited to attend but must R.S.V.P. before Thursday. Contact Jim Forbes at jim_forbes@pmf.org or call 301.275.4117.
“The Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award is given annually to a person with a record of faithful, unwavering, and diligent work for justice and restoration,” said James Ackerman, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship. “Sen. Portman’s bipartisan leadership in our nation’s capital has helped thousands of people with a criminal record live out their God-given dignity as they become productive members of society.”
"We believe it's possible for people to rise from their worst choices, make amends, and help restore communities they once harmed," said Heather Rice-Minus, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Prison Fellowship. "As Senator Portman concludes his time in the United State Senate, we are thrilled to celebrate his courageous leadership that has offered pathways to good citizenship for Americans who have served their time.”
“I am grateful and humbled to receive the Charles Colson Advocate of Hope award from Prison Fellowship. During my tenure in the House and Senate, I am proud to have worked on legislation to end the revolving door of incarceration and to help former inmates live up to their God-given potential,” said U.S. Senator Rob Portman. “Legislation like my Second Chance Act has already made a difference in thousands of lives in Ohio and across the country by helping ex-offenders turn their life around and become productive members of society. I am honored to accept this award and will continue to work with you all on these challenging issues once I leave the Senate. I applaud Prison Fellowship for their efforts working to remove the unnecessary barriers that prevent those with a criminal record from becoming productive members of society.”
Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award
The Charles Colson Hope Awards,sponsored by Prison Fellowship, recognize people who have faithfully and courageously worked to restore those affected by crime and incarceration. Charles Colson, who founded Prison Fellowship more than 45 years ago, was at ease with presidents, prisoners, wardens, pastors, laypeople, and legislators.
ABOUT PRISON FELLOWSHIP
Prison Fellowship is the nation’s largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and a leading voice for criminal justice reform. With more than 45 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.