SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2018
On March 30, 2018, President Donald J. Trump proclaimed the month of April as Second Chance Month to raise awareness of how we can create second chances that will benefit the more than 65 million men and women with a criminal record.
Prison Fellowship, joined by a bipartisan coalition of more than 150 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.
Craig DeRoche
"An estimated 65 million Americans have a criminal record, and 95 percent of current inmates are set to be released one day, two thirds of whom will be released in the next five years. Sadly, too many Americans who serve their time become caught up in a cycle of crime," said Senator Rob Portman. "The Second Chance Act has helped to break that cycle by providing drug treatment and job training, and that makes our community safer, saves taxpayer dollars, and most importantly, helps former inmates live out their God-given potential. The mistakes of our past don’t have to define the potential for our future. By designating April as Second Chance Month, we are supporting those who are returning from prison and want a fair shot at living an honest and productive life by increasing public awareness and getting them the help they need. I will continue my bipartisan efforts to renew and strengthen this critical law."
Sen. Rob Portman
Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Rob Portman; Amy Klobuchar; James Lankford, (R-Okla.); Tammy Duckworth, (D-Ill.); John Cornyn, (R-Texas); and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).
JURISDICTIONS THAT DECLARED APRIL 2018 SECOND CHANCE MONTH
"I hope that we all can join together on a bipartisan basis during Second Chance Month and all year round to support those who are returning from prison and want a fair shot at living an honest and productive life."
U.S. SENATOR ROB PORTMAN (R-OH)
SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2018: IN THE NEWS
Hundreds Expected for Road to Second Chances Community Walk & Fair in DC
Global Newswire
Prison Reform Rally Urges Second Chances for Ex-Offenders Re-Entering Civil Society
Daily Signal
Trump Urges Us to Reflect on Prisoners and Redemption
National Review
Trump Declares April 'Second Chance Month' to Help Ex-Cons Reach 'God-Given Potential'
CBN News
'Second chances' urged for re-entering prisoners
Baptist Press
Commentary: Second chances are rung on ladder to new life
Naples Daily News
Prison Fellowship Fights the 48,000 Forces Keeping Former Inmates from a Second Chance
Christianity Today