Second Chance Month: Health Reentry Resources, Programs, and Pledges

The content of this post is repurposed from the National Reentry Resource Center and The Council of State Governments Justice Center.

Celebrating Second Chance Month: Empowering Formerly Incarcerated Women

At Paths to Wholeness, Second Chance Month holds profound significance as we strive to empower formerly incarcerated women on their journey to wholeness. This national initiative, observed in April, underscores the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into society successfully.

Second Chance Month aligns perfectly with our mission to support sustainable re-entry for formerly incarcerated women. Our preventive programs focus on personal and professional development, equipping individuals with essential skills for a successful transition. Through interventive and supportive services, we provide the necessary resources to address challenges and foster growth.

Resources for Empowerment

To support our mission, we are sharing information and resources from organizations like the National Reentry Resource Center and The Council of State Governments Justice Center.

The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP)

• This program has helped hundreds of communities bring together criminal justice and behavioral health systems to divert people from jail when possible and increase access to mental health care.

• Request JMHCP's free support if you want to:

  • Improve 911, crisis, and law enforcement response

  • Train officers in mental health responses

  • Develop or improve jail, court, or reentry initiatives

Webinars to attend

• April 29: Webinar: Supporting Young People's Crisis Stabilization Needs During Reentry hosted by the CSG Justice Center with funding and support from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (Virtual)

Per their April 14th email correspondence:

Access to health care—including mental health and substance use treatment—is essential for people returning from jails or prisons. When formerly incarcerated people get the health care they need, communities are healthier for everyone. That’s what the Second Chance Act (SCA) is all about.

"Second Chance Month is a reminder that with the right support, individuals leaving incarceration can thrive and make lasting contributions to their communities," wrote The Council of State Governments Justice Center Advisory Board Chair and Director of Alabama Paroles and Pardons Cam Ward in a new op-ed.

Second Chance Act Success Stories via  The Council of State Governments Justice Center

• How Trauma-Informed Care Leads to Reentry Success

• Connecting Courts and People to Health Care

• When Probation, Behavioral Health, and Sheriff's Offices Work Together

How You Can Get Involved

During Second Chance Month and throughout the year, your support makes a meaningful impact. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or donations, every contribution helps us empower more women to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Join us this April as we celebrate Second Chance Month and reaffirm our commitment to creating a community where every woman has the opportunity for redemption and renewal.

• Follow #SecondChanceMonth on social media.

• Visit the Second Chance Month page.

• View the partner toolkit on how to engage.