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Posted February 17, 2022
Jon Kelly is walking on eggshells.
Jon Kelly has spent years on probation dreading that one misstep could change everything.
"Knowing that in the back of my mind, if I do one little thing wrong, I'll be back in prison—it was just hard to bear," he says.
Over the last decade, Jon has called Chicago home, planted a church on the West Side, and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He's a husband, father, and pastor with a
Posted March 18, 2022
Prison Fellowship
Remember Those in Prison
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STAND UP FOR SECOND CHANCES!
Did you know that people with a criminal record face 44,000 legal barriers to opportunity and success? This makes it difficult to access everyday necessities like employment, housing and healthcare. These barriers waste human potential -- often without making people safer.
When we extend second chances to people with a record, we afford them the opportunity to be productive, contributing members of our
Posted May 7, 2021
SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2021
For the fourth straight year, the White House declared April Second Chance Month® to help unlock second chances for the tens of millions of Americans with a criminal record.
"We believe the approximately 70 million Americans with criminal records—that’s one in three people—are more than their worst choices and affirm their God-given dignity and potential in life."
James Ackerman, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship
"This Presidential proclamation supports our coalition’s collective work toward solutions
Posted May 6, 2021
Unlock Second Chances with Prison Fellowship
Throughout April, Prison Fellowship® will host weekly Twitter chats focused on Second Chance® Month.
Why Twitter? Twitter chats are a form of virtual discussion that elevates content beyond our social media followers. We have invited panelists who can expertly speak to the many unique aspects of second chances. Twitter chats allow us to collectively share a well-rounded and amplified message about the barriers men and women with a criminal record face
Posted April 21, 2021
Host a Second Chance Sunday this April!
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY VIRTUAL SERVICE
Our virtual service, featuring worship from Hillsong East Coast and a sermon from Pastor Jon Kelly of Chicago West Bible Church, is available on YouTube.
WATCH NOW
Pastor Jon Kelly is living proof of the power of a second chance.
Jon spent two-thirds of his life in the criminal justice system. The day someone handed him the New Testament behind bars, everything changed. Jon read it and
Posted April 1, 2021
Equal Justice Initiative Founder Bryan Stevenson and Grammy-Winning Artist Lecrae To Join Prison Fellowship To Recognize Second Chance Month
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Prison Fellowship®, the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and those returning to society, recognizes April 2021 as Second Chance Month™ for the fifth consecutive year. This annual observance was created by Prison Fellowship in 2017 to raise awareness about the barriers that returning citizens face.
"God is patient in giving us second
Posted January 21, 2021
NO LIFE IS BEYOND REDEMPTION
THE STORY OF PASTOR JON KELLY
Before becoming a pastor, Jon Kelly of Chicago spent two-thirds of his life in the criminal justice system. Along the way, he accepted responsibility for his actions and earned his GED in prison—important, purposeful steps that the parole board took into account. He left prison a changed man. Released on parole, he found gainful employment, a place to live, and a church community that helped him
Posted January 20, 2021
NO LIFE IS BEYOND REDEMPTION
THE STORY OF PASTOR JON KELLY
Before becoming a pastor, Jon Kelly of Chicago spent two-thirds of his life in the criminal justice system. Along the way, he accepted responsibility for his actions and earned his GED in prison—important, purposeful steps that the parole board took into account. He left prison a changed man. Released on parole, he found gainful employment, a place to live, and a church community that helped him
Posted December 7, 2020
No Life Is Beyond Redemption
When a crime is committed, it tears the fabric of society and breaches community trust.
For true justice to be dealt, restoration must be considered—for the person who committed the crime, the victim of the crime where possible, and society. Justice that restores holds people accountable while protecting the community.
But too often, the punishment administered is disproportional rather than restorative. The result? People leave prison unchanged, and hurting communities experience even more
Posted November 7, 2019
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY TOOLKIT
Hear what Pastor Jon Kelly has to say about Second Chance Sundays
Thank you for joining us in celebrating second chances!
You can use the Second Chance Month social media toolkit to promote your Second Chance Sunday and for graphics and posts to engage your congregation during the service itself.
MATERIALS:
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY PASTOR NOTES (PDF)
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE (PDF)
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY BULLETIN (PDF)
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY COLORING PAGE (PDF)
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY OFFERING
Posted August 23, 2019
How Churches can Unlock Second Chances
In April 2022, Prison Fellowship's Justice Reform team hosted four Twitter chats with a variety of experts for Second Chance™ Month. In "Room in My Pews," Christian leaders discuss how the Church can best respond to the needs of returning citizens.
QUESTION ONE
Q1: Let’s get started with participant introductions. Tell us who you are and why you’re joining us for this #SecondChanceMonth Twitter chat about how churches can #UnlockSecondChances
— Prison
Posted April 24, 2018
Jon Kelly grew up in a tough, crime-ridden Philadelphia neighborhood. It wasn't long before he got involved with the rougher elements around him. He was eventually sentenced to prison at the age of 19 for third-degree murder.
After he was incarcerated, a corrections officer handed Jon a Bible, introducing him to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Scripture opened his eyes and changed his heart, and Jon chose to live for Christ behind bars.
When he was released
Posted April 9, 2018
Jon Kelly Makes the Most of His Second Chance
"I was always high every day … always in fights, always getting shot at or shooting at somebody," Jon Kelly says. "I for sure did not think I would make it past 16."
Growing up in north Philadelphia with a single mother and a little sister, Jon was the epitome of a disrespectful, troubled teen. He grew up in a rough neighborhood. Multiple schools—including a disciplinary school he
Posted July 1, 2020
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Posted July 1, 2012
Ex-Prisoners and Their Struggle to Make Decisions
When Pat Nolan got out of prison, some friends took him to lunch at a local deli. What was meant to be a simple, pleasant outing detoured into an excruciating debacle for Pat. As he recounts:
The waiter came over to take our orders. Everyone else told him what they wanted, but I kept poring over the menu. My eyes raced over the columns of choices. I knew that I