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Second Chance Month 2022

SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2022

For the fifth 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 serve a God of second chances—and not just one, but unlimited second chances."

James Ackerman, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship.

"This Presidential proclamation supports our coalition’s collective work toward solutions that will unlock second chances and create flourishing and productive communities," said Heather Rice-Minus, senior vice president of advocacy and church mobilization at Prison Fellowship®.

Since 2017, Prison Fellowship has spearheaded the nationwide effort to raise awareness about the barriers faced by men and women with a criminal record and to unlock their second chances.

April 2022 was our sixth consecutive year celebrating April as Second Chance Month, and the movement has rapidly grown and deepened across the United States. In addition to the White House, 26 states officially recognized April 2022 as Second Chance Month, and more than 700 churches, businesses, and organizations joined Prison Fellowship as official Second Chance Month partners.

SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2022 EVENTS

Together with our partners, Prison Fellowship held events throughout the month to raise awareness of the importance of second chances. Events included the Virtual Second Chance Sunday service on April 3, the Virtual Second Chance Month Gala on April 28, and the Road to Second Chances Prayer Walk in Oklahoma on April 30.

VIRTUAL SECOND CHANCE MONTH GALA

We invite you to watch the Second Chance Month Gala that took place on Thursday, April 28, as we celebrated the power of second chances! Businesses, communities, churches, and families gathered to hear transformation stories and conversations highlighting the need for second chances.

Watch Now

SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY SERVICE

We invite you to watch the Second Chance Sunday service featuring a powerful message on redemption and second chances by Pastor Mark Batterson of National Community Church. This service took place on Sunday, April 3, and is available to access on demand.

Watch Now

Twitter chats throughout April helped to amplify the conversation online about second chances.

Twitter Chat April 6:Can My Church Minister to Returning Citizens?

Faithful Christian communities are pivotal places for second chances. Join the conversation to find out how you can serve returning citizens.

Learn More

Twitter Chat April 13:Second Chance Hiring: The Benefits of Employing Returning Citizens

Having a job is an essential part of a successful life. When businesses hire people with a criminal record, communities thrive.

Learn More

Twitter Chat April 20:Reconciling Families to Break the Cycle of Incarceration

Nearly 1.5 million children have a parent in prison. Extending a second chance can impact families for generations.

Learn More

Twitter Chat April 27:Former Prisoners Can Become Productive Citizens

Second chances for returning citizens make for safer communities. Even so, civic engagement is often denied to people with a criminal record.

Learn More

JURISDICTIONS THAT DECLARED APRIL 2022 SECOND CHANCE MONTH

Jurisdictions that have officially recognized April 2022 as Second Chance Month, including an official proclamation from the White House.


Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Georgia

Iowa

Kansas

Maryland

Michigan


Minnesota

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania


South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin


“America is a nation of second chances, and it is critical that our criminal and juvenile justice systems provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption.”

President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2021: IN THE NEWS

    Second chances are the public safety opportunity we can’t afford to miss (Washington Examiner)
    Viewpoint: Give returning citizens second chance (Grand Forks Herald)
    Second Chance Month: The Church and incarcerated individuals go together (The Christian Post)
    Talking Second Chances – Sammy Perez from Prison Fellowship (Spreaker)

SECOND CHANCE MONTH SPONSORS

Second Chance Month sponsors led the charge to unlock opportunities for formerly incarcerated people.

Justice Action Network
Grace Guardian

The Just Trust
Grace Guardian

CEO Action for Racial Equity
Dignity Defenders

FHI 360
Dignity Defenders

FWD.us
Dignity Defenders

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