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By CSG Justice Center Staff
Policymakers, corrections officials, practitioners, and other leaders plan to commemorate Second Chance Month—celebrated throughout April—with a host of activities highlighting efforts to support people transitioning from prison or jail back into the community.
Second Chance Month was born out of the Second Chance Act, a law passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush on April 9, 2008. The legislation, which Congress reauthorized in December with bipartisan support, created the National Reentry Resource Center and funds work to improve reentry outcomes in communities across the country.
These efforts have built on extensive research and the tireless efforts of local leaders across the country to change the nation’s perception of reentry from simply keeping people within the walls of their facilities. Today, leaders of all kinds agree that reducing recidivism promotes public safety, strengthens collaboration across agencies, and builds stronger communities.
As the National Reentry Resource Center celebrates Second Chance Month, we want to highlight events happening across the country that showcase the rich reentry landscape that facilitates opportunities for people returning to their communities from incarceration, which range from resource fairs to interviews with governors on what reentry means to them. You can find a calendar of these events below, and you can follow the discussion on social media throughout the month using #ReentryMatters.
Are you doing something to commemorate Second Chance Month? Send us an email and let us know!
Second Chance Month Events
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APRIL 1
Washington, D.C.
2019 Prison Reform Summit and First Step Act Celebration
The White House hosts an invitation-only event celebrating the successful passage of the First Step Act last December, as well as holds discussions over the course of the day on potential reform efforts in the future.
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APRIL 2
Hartsville, South Carolina
2019 Workforce Reentry Seminar: Fill in the Gaps
The Hartsville Chamber of Commerce holds a workforce reentry seminar that provides tips about resume writing, effective interviewing, and searching for jobs.
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APRIL 4
Hartford, Connecticut
National Reentry Resource Center Presents: A Q&A with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont
Visit NationalReentryResourceCenter.org to see our our reentry-focused interview with newly elected Gov. Lamont.
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APRIL 5
Frankfort, Kentucky
National Reentry Resource Center Presents: A Q&A with Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin
Visit NationalReentryResourceCenter.org to see our our reentry-focused interview with Gov. Bevin.
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APRIL 7
Fargo, North Dakota
National Reentry Resource Center Presents: A Q&A with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum
Visit NationalReentryResourceCenter.org to see our our reentry-focused interview with Gov. Burgum.
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APRIL 8
Providence, Rhode Island
The National Reentry Resource Center Presents: A Q&A with Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo
Visit NationalReentryResourceCenter.org to see our reentry-focused interview with Gov. Raimondo.
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APRIL 10
Beaver, West Virginia
West Virginia Reentry Resource Fair
In addition to providing community services and supports for those reentering the community from incarceration, the Southern West Virginia Reentry Council’s resource fair features a reentry simulation to demonstrate challenges and barriers faced by this population.
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APRIL 13
Roseville, Minnesota
Second Chance Month 2019 – Minnesota 5K
Prison Fellowship and the University of Northwestern will host the third annual Second Chance 5K in Minnesota. To register, visit here.
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APRIL 15
Columbus, Ohio
National Reentry Resource Center Presents: A Q&A with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
Visit NationalReentryResourceCenter.org to see our our reentry-focused interview with Gov. DeWine.
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APRIL 18
Jersey City, New Jersey
The Road to Salvation: From Addiction to Employment Conference
Speakers at the New Jersey Reentry Corporation’s annual conference will include Senator Bob Menendez, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. To register for the event, click here.
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APRIL 20
Little Rock, Arkansas
National Reentry Resource Center Presents: A Q&A with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson
Visit NationalReentryResourceCenter.org to see our our reentry-focused interview with Gov. Hutchinson.
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APRIL 23
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Reentry Alliance of Louisiana (REAL) Annual Conference
REAL’s fifth annual conference provides information on best practices for a successful reentry and honors champions from across the state in a series of plenaries about building coalitions and improving communities. U.S. Congressman Cedric Richards is the keynote speaker. Register here.
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APRIL 26
Madison, Wisconsin
National Reentry Resource Center Presents: A Q&A with U.S. Senator Jim Sensenbrenner
Visit NationalReentryResourceCenter.org to see our our reentry-focused interview with Sen. Sensenbrenner.
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APRIL 29
Stamford, Connecticut
Family ReEntry Discussion About Successful Reentry
Family ReEntry will speak about successful reentry and life in the criminal justice system.
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APRIL 30
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria Reentry Resource Fair
The Alexandria Reentry Council will host a reentry resource fair where returning citizens and their families will have the chance to interact with community partners, gain information, and get their questions answered.
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MAY 6
Phoenix, Arizona
2019 Reentry Employer Forum
The second annual Reentry Employer forum educates employers about the benefits of hiring people who face barriers to employment. The event features Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona Cardinals CEO Michael Bidwill as speakers.
Source: JusticeCenter