SECOND CHANCE MONTH
Second Chance Month Unlocks Brighter Futures for Millions
We all want to be treated with dignity and have the opportunity to reach our God-given potential.
But for approximately 70 million American adults with a criminal record, legal obstacles hinder their progress—even after they’ve paid their debt to society. On top of widespread social stigma, they face as many as 44,000 documented restrictions to education, jobs, housing, and more. But with your support, we are opening doors.
This April, Prison Fellowship® spearheaded the third annual Second Chance® Month—a national campaign to raise awareness about the obstacles faced by the 1 in 3 American adults with a criminal record, break down barriers, and create second-chance opportunities. The movement is quickly gaining speed.
300+ organizations partnered with Prison Fellowship to unlock second chances.
17.3 million people from 68 countries saw #SecondChanceMonth social media posts in April.
30+ Second Chance Month events celebrated the potential of people with a criminal record.
"This month, we celebrate those who have exited the prison system and successfully reentered society and renew our commitment to providing support and resources that former inmates need to meet their responsibilities, rediscover their self-worth, and benefit from the gift of a second chance."
— White House Proclamation on Second Chance Month 2019
This year, at Prison Fellowship’s urging, the White House, 23 states, and the District of Columbia officially recognized April as Second Chance Month. Some 17.3 million people from 68 countries saw #SecondChanceMonth social media posts in April.
More than 300 organizations partnered with us to lead the charge in unlocking second chances. And more than 30 events, including the Second Chance Month Gala at the Watergate Hotel, the Road to Second Chances Prayer Walks, a Capitol Hill briefing, Twitter chats, and Second Chance 5Ks in the community and in prison, celebrated the potential of people with a criminal record.