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Second Chance Month 2018

Second Chances CMYK

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.

"We believe people with a past can rise from their failure, repay their debts, and that healing is possible for our communities affected by crime."

Craig DeRoche

"There is no such thing as a throwaway person, and by granting second chances to those who have earned them, we will be contributing to the restoration of families, communities and our nation," said Craig DeRoche, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy. "We are honored that Senators Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., introduced this bipartisan legislation designating April 2018 as Second Chance month. Together, we are working to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent those with a criminal record from becoming productive members of society. We believe people with a past can rise from their failure, repay their debts, and that healing is possible for our communities affected by crime."

"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."

"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 helps former inmates live out their God-given potential."

Sen. Rob Portman

For far too many who have served time behind bars, release from incarceration brings a new kind of prison. Some 65 million Americans have a criminal record. This limits their access to jobs, education, housing and other things necessary for a full and productive life. Any hope and new identity found while incarcerated can be quickly lost upon release when faced with the "second prison"—the more than 48,000 documented social stigmas and legal restrictions that inhibit opportunities to rebuild someone’s life after paying a debt to society.

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

The State of Oklahoma

The State of Nebraska

The State of Alabama

The State of South Carolina

The State of Louisiana

The State of Rhode Island

The State of Michigan

The city of Minneapolis, MN

The State of Texas

Collier County, FL

City of Saint Paul

The city of Greenville, South Carolina

The Council of the District of Columbia

The State of Minnesota

The District of Columbia

The State of West Virginia

The State of Utah

"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

One in four American adults lives with a criminal record -- It's time for them to get a second chance
FOX 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

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