SECOND CHANCE MONTH
We did it, together!By the grace of God, we finished Second Chance Month 2018 strong, and as a second-chance supporter, you were instrumental in the success of this effort. I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
When Prison Fellowship decided to launch Second Chance Month in 2017, we had no idea we would be met with such an outpouring of excitement. With the support of friends like you, we haven’t just named a month on the calendar—we’ve started a movement.
For the second year in a row, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution declaring April Second Chance Month. More proclamations and resolutions poured out from the White House, governors’ offices, and state legislatures.
Plus, 196 businesses, organizations, and congregations joined us this year as official partners, publicly advocating for second-chance opportunities for the 65 million Americans living with a criminal record.
Together we promoted second chances through job fairs, resource fairs, press conferences, and other special events. Hundreds of supporters joined us on the Road to Second Chances in Washington, D.C., which featured a prayer walk, stories from returning citizens, and a resource fair. Hundreds of people participated in Second Chance 5K run/walks, including staff at Prison Fellowship’s headquarters and nearly 1,000 prisoners in Minnesota and Ohio.
Along the way, we planted seeds of hope for men and women who are still awaiting their release day. I hope you are encouraged by this note we received from Blake, who is incarcerated in Virginia, just a few hours’ drive from our Lansdowne headquarters:
Our nation has come a long way to break the stigma it holds against those with a criminal record, but we as a nation still have light-years to go. I for one can say that the efforts made by Prison Fellowship to bring these issues to light are not only appreciated by many but appreciated by this man—a man that holds a criminal record. Thank you for all that you do.
April might be over, but our work is not done. May the momentum of Second Chance Month propel us forward as we work to unlock brighter futures, foster safer communities, and create a more just society all year long!
Sincerely,
James J. Ackerman
President and Chief Executive Officer
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