Unlocking second chances for millions of Americans
While working to equip and inspire the Church, Prison Fellowship® is one of the nation’s leading advocates for second chances, drawing the attention of government agencies, foundations, and businesses to the importance of serving people impacted by incarceration.
Every April, Prison Fellowship spearheads Second Chance Month® as a national effort to unlock brighter futures for approximately 80 million Americans with a criminal record. Second Chance Month partners and sponsors rally together to advance second chance opportunities through events, social media, advocacy, and more.
One of these valued partners is The Just Trust. Reaching across political and ideological aisles, The Just Trust partners with organizations to help advance smart solutions for a safer and more just America. Centered on human dignity, The Just Trust works to create a system that prevents crime, centers safety, and fosters real accountability, rehabilitation, and healing.
Recently, The Just Trust participated in a webinar hosted by Prison Fellowship called “Opportunities and Strategies for Successful Second Chance Hiring.” The discussion brought together voices with lived experience and professional expertise, with panelists representing a powerful blend of insight. Webinar attendees heard real stories, received practical steps for building second chance pathways as employers, and learned strategies for supporting and funding the work of second chances.
One recent initiative of The Just Trust is JUMP, the Justice and Upward Mobility Project. According to jumpproject.org, JUMP aims to leverage the power and influence of sports and entertainment to unlock access to education, employment, and economic mobility for youth and adults impacted by the justice system.
JUMP also engages in policy advocacy, leads media and narrative work to change cultural stigmas, and builds coalitions to foster learning communities and support systems.
“Companies are realizing more and more that when they provide employment opportunities to talent with records, we show up in a different way,” says Ken Oliver, chief innovation officer at The Just Trust and managing director of JUMP. “It gives us a sense of dignity and ownership. And there is a treasure trove of data that reveals that in most cases, we are simply great employees.”
Each year, more than 450,000 people return to their communities from prison. These individuals are looking for a fresh start—but far too often, they face enormous barriers when finding stable employment. Together with partners like The Just Trust, Prison Fellowship is breaking down barriers to second chances and creating brighter futures for millions of people with a criminal record.
Whether you’re an employer, a grant maker, a service provider, or simply someone who cares deeply about justice and opportunity, there is a role for you in unlocking second chances for millions of Americans living with a criminal record. Learn more here.
WHAT IS SECOND CHANCE MONTH?
Prison Fellowship spearheaded Second Chance Month® in 2017. Since then, multiple U.S. presidents and more than 25 states have recognized Second Chance Month. More than 800 organizations, congregations, and businesses have joined Prison Fellowship as official Second Chance Month partners. As a result of these efforts, millions of people know of the barriers faced by people with a criminal record and how to unlock second chances for people who dream of a better tomorrow.
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