On Tuesday, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution declaring April 2017 as "Second Chance Month."
At Stillwater Correctional Facility in Minnesota, prisoners gathered together to run for the second chances they hope to have one day.
For many returning citizens, punishment does not end when they leave prison. Finding work becomes a daunting task and often an insurmountable barrier. Yet according to criminologists, work can be the critical difference between restoration and recidivism.
They came from all walks of life to run for second chances. Athletes, families, and community members joined together in Denver to run the Second Chances 5K as part of Second Chance Month.
Welcome to Second Chance Month! Prison Fellowship® and our diverse group of partner organizations are raising awareness this month of the hardships former prisoners face upon their return to society. Will you join us?
SECOND CHANCE MONTH: A NATIONAL MOVEMENTCasey Irwin is interviewed about her experiences with collateral consequences.
Update 3/31/2017–U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced a resolution that would designate April 2017 as "Second Chance Month."
For many people who have spent time in prison, the most difficult barrier to overcome after release is the reentry into employment. In many instances, employers stop reading an application as soon as they see that someone has a criminal record.
"I was first introduced to the juvenile justice system when I was 14 years old."
In an opinion piece for The Hill, Craig DeRoche, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy at Prison Fellowship®, stated three specific ways President Trump could succeed in his promises to not just remove threats to law and order but to also bring "healing and hope" to those Americans hurt by crime.
Prison Fellowship® continues to advocate for justice that restores. As Prison Fellowship gears up for Second Chance Month in April, we thank you for your support as we continue to advocate for justice that restores. We're excited about what's happening across the country.
A single question on a job application can disrupt a returning citizen's future: Have you ever been convicted of a felony?