THE HISTORY OF SECOND CHANCE MONTH
Every person has dignity and potential. But 1 in 3 American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other opportunities needed to reach that potential.
In 2017, Prison Fellowship® launched Second Chance Month®, an effort to raise awareness about the nearly 44,000 legal barriers faced by men and women with a criminal record. Our goal was to help reduce the social stigma and barriers that plague Americans with a criminal record and urge state and federal lawmakers to act. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution declaring April 2017 as Second Chance Month.
Since launching the inaugural Second Chance Month, Prison Fellowship has continued to spearhead the nationwide effort to raise awareness about barriers faced by those with a criminal record. Together, with more than 1,100 partners, we’re working to unlock brighter futures for people with a criminal record.
Each year, we equip churches around the country to host Second Chance Sunday services or other celebrations to mark the importance of second chances in their communities. Alongside partnering businesses and organizations, we also hold policy briefings and days of action in addition to organizing coordinated petitions, prayer events, and press and social media campaigns.
Thanks to people sending more than 80,000 letters to lawmakers, many jurisdictions around the U.S. continue to proclaim April as Second Chance Month each year. You can view the most recent proclamations here.
“We believe the approximately 80 million Americans with criminal records—that’s 1 in 3 people—are more than their worst choices and affirm their God-given dignity and potential in life.”
Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship
JOIN THE SECOND CHANCE MONTH MOVEMENT
PARTNER WITH US
Do you lead a business or organization that could join our efforts this Second Chance Month? Let’s partner together to advance second chances through events, social media, and more. Sign up to get tools and resources you can use to break down barriers and create opportunities for second chances.
Sign Up To Be a PartnerCELEBRATE SECOND CHANCES AT YOUR CHURCH
There are families in your church and community navigating the shame, stigma, and unfair legal barriers that can accompany a criminal record. Become a beacon of hope by hosting a Second Chance Sunday or other celebration! You’ll gain access to exclusive tools designed to equip your church to shine a light on the power of second chances.
Celebrate at Your Church
INSPIRING SECOND CHANCE STORIES
The Heart of an Advocate
Daniel was a fighter—but the Lord turned him into an advocate.
God’s Mercy Wouldn’t Let Go
Jose made one bad decision after another, but God used the Church to show him a new way to live.
The White Flag That Led to a Second Chance
Brandon found a life full of purpose and meaning when he surrendered.
SHARE YOUR SECOND CHANCE STORY
Are you someone with a criminal record who received a second chance? Did you face obstacles to finding jobs, housing, or education? Is your organization passionate about providing second chances? We’d love to hear about your experience!