She Wanted a Better Life for Her Children, But Was Stealing Worth the Separation? — Pregnant, 15, and the oldest of six kids in a crowded Detroit home, Charnell Scott could feel the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. When her baby girl became the seventh child in the household, a sense of duty and pride kept Charnell going — but it…

On the Menu: A Second Chance — “This is going to be the most anticipated restaurant opening Cleveland’s seen,” says Brandon Chrostowski as he addresses his staff on Edwins Restaurant’s opening night. That night, and the weeks leading up to it, come to life in Knife Skills, an Oscar-nominated documentary short by Thomas Lennon. Like a good…

One in Four Americans Has a Criminal Record — “I got up this morning, did my prayers, and just put [the day] in God’s hands,” says Joseff White. It’s April 10, and Joseff is at the Word of Restoration International Church for the Prison Fellowship® Second Chance Job Fair. Joseff was incarcerated for 26 years. Now out on…

Second Chance Month — Jon Kelly grew up in a tough, crime-ridden Philadelphia neighborhood. It wasn’t long before he got involved with the rougher elements around him. Eventually sentenced to prison at the age of 19 for third-degree murder, Jon was handed a Bible by a corrections officer and introduced to the Gospel of…

How an Eatery Brings Second Chances to Former Prisoners — Can a grilled cheese bring a fresh start to former prisoners? Emily Hunt Turner thinks so. …

Recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week — April 8–14, 2018, marked the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), drawing attention to the devastating, long-lasting consequences of crime. Commemorated by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), this year’s theme for NCVRW is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.” The…

Healing Communities USA — Written by Rev. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear You shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” Acts 1:8 In the minds of many people in church leadership, the prison and the prisoner have been “the uttermost parts of the earth” —…

The Role of the Church in Second Chances — “Even though I had turned my back on what God’s call was on my life, God never failed me,” says Dave. “He never turned His back on me.” Dave Clark spent over eight years in prison before he was released in 2003. Having accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump proclaimed April 2018 as Second Chance Month, late Friday evening. “President Trump has taken a bold move in helping Prison Fellowship and more than…