April is National Second Chance Month
What do that mean National Second Chance Month? observed in the United States during April since 2017, is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of restrictions that can limit or prohibit people with a criminal conviction, and unlock second-chance opportunities for people who have completed their sentences to become contributing citizens. The awareness effort is led by Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and an advocate for justice reform. Activities include promoting public awareness and encouraging employers to become second-chance employer.
In the United States, one in three American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things necessary for a productive life.
Behind the Walls Talk decided to use this platform to highlight individuals and their testimonies about their successful second chances.
Here are the questions asked to each person, their testimonies will be posted separately on the website. If you are anyone you may know would like to participate in giving testimonies feel free to contact me. Information is Btwtalk@yahoo.com
- Your name and where you are from
- What year were you incarcerated and when were you released?
- While incarcerated did you take any classes or make plans for when you come home to help aid your transition
- How was the transition from prison back into society for you?
- What job or jobs do you have now?
- What keeps you from not going back? What is your motivation?
- If you could change something about the prison system from behind the walls to parole/probation or even having the label felon, what would you change?
- Would you like to leave some encouraging words for those who are still incarcerated or the youth of the community?
You can send a picture to attach with your testimony. Thank you for opening up and allowing us to share your story.