April is "Second Chance Month"
Originally a project of Prison Fellowship, Second Chance Month has caught on nationwide. The official White House proclamation puts it like this…
”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.
The White House Proclamation of Second Chance Month
At Stand in the Gap, we believe in second chances.
Our work with incarcerated women has made us second chance experts! 90% of women who complete the entire Women in Transition program DO NOT return to prison or jail. (According to The White House Proclamation, “5 out of 6 State prisoners are rearrested within 9 years of their release, and more than a third of former Federal prisoners will be rearrested within 5 years of their release.”)
In case you missed it, we’ve been in the news a lot over the last week. We’re sharing one of our favorite second chance stories.
In the Tulsa World
Read Now”Ginnie Graham: If Oklahomans are serious about criminal justice reform, then more volunteers are needed
This editorial from The Oklahoman wasn’t exactly about us, but it drives home a point that we finding ourselves making all the time: there’s a direct correlation between incarceration rates and kids in foster care. And that has an effect on all of us.
4,600 minor children have a mother in state prison in Oklahoma. When a mom (or dad) is in prison, “That experience is of the same magnitude as abuse, domestic violence and divorce, with a potentially lasting negative impact on a child’s well-being.”
TAKE ACTION NOW TO JOIN THIS MOVEMENT
VOLUNTEER
You can offer a second chance! Participate in a mentorship small group for a woman or young adult from hard places like foster care or incarceration.
INVEST
You can facilitate a second chance! Your financial gift will provide volunteer training, introduce our program to orphans, widows, and prisoners, and connect people in need with people who care.
