SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2024
—Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship
For the seventh 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.
The movement has rapidly grown and deepened across the United States.
In addition to the White House, the U.S. Senate, 23 states, and Washington, D.C., also officially recognized April 2024 as Second Chance Month.
More than 1000 churches, businesses, and organizations joined Prison Fellowship as official Second Chance Month partners.
SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY SERVICE
One of this year’s Second Chance Sunday services was held Sunday, April 7, 2024, at City Church Chicago and featured Pastor Kent Munsey’s message that we all have a role to play in advocating for and welcoming those with a criminal record. Watch the service and Pastor Kent’s powerful message.
SECOND CHANCE MONTH POSTS ON X
Take a look at these posts on X that raised awareness of the importance of second chances for formerly incarcerated men and women who dream of a better tomorrow!
SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2024 EVENTS
Along with you, Prison Fellowship and our Justice Ambassadors hosted events and drew attention to the importance of second chances. Events included seven prayer walks and 28 Second Chance Sunday services.
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER
We sent a total of 14,992 letters to lawmakers asking them to support second chances—and they listened! As a result, Congress learned about the importance of second chances and awareness continues to be raised of the barriers faced by returning citizens.
Justice Ambassadors leveraged social media to spread awareness. In addition, 39 Justice Ambassadors tabled at churches, 32 Ambassadors requested Second Chance proclamations, Justice Ambassadors recruited over 10 Second Chance partners, and five Justice Ambassadors were featured in the news/media.
JURISDICTIONS THAT DECLARED APRIL 2024 SECOND CHANCE MONTH
Jurisdictions that have officially recognized April 2024 as Second Chance Month, in addition to the U.S. Senate's proclamation, and an official proclamation from the White House:
“America was founded on the promise of new beginnings. During Second Chance Month, we recommit to building a criminal justice system that lives up to those ideals so that people returning to their communities from jail or prison have a fair shot at the American Dream.”
—President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
SECOND CHANCE MONTH 2024: IN THE NEWS
Christian Post: From Prison to Jesus’ Mission of Second Chances / Op-Ed by Sammy Perez of Prison Fellowship
From Prison Cell to City Hall with Jermaine Wilson / Christianity Today Podcast
Justice Ambassador Willie Mitchell, TX Justice Ambassador, talks second chances / Houston Happens program
Interview with Heather Rice-Minus on Second Chance Month / CBN TV