Category: Second Chance Stories
A Mother’s Journey to Redemption
Jamie D. didn’t have an easy childhood. It was marked by abuse, and those early traumas shaped the path her life would take. By sixteen, she was a mother, and over the next decade, she would have six children—five boys and a girl, who became her whole world. "They are my everything," she says, her [...]
Breaking Free: Trading Two Decades of Addiction for a New Beginning
Sometimes life has a way of teaching us its most valuable lessons in the harshest ways possible. For Claudia R., that lesson came after 20 years of drug addiction and multiple encounters with the law. But today, she stands as living proof that it's never too late to change your story. "Today I am grateful," [...]
From Prison to the Boardroom
Some stories begin in darkness. For Michael M., that darkness came early, when at 15 years old, his mother left him to face the world alone. What followed were nights spent on cold benches, meals scavenged from trash cans, and eventually, a 10.5-year federal prison sentence. But Michael's story isn't about where he fell, it's [...]
Melisha’s Path to Redemption: A Tale of Resilience and Community
Finding your way back into society after prison can be a tough road to travel. For those taking this leap or providing support to a loved one, grasping the nuances of rejoining the community comes with some real challenges. Melisha J.'s story is a testament to the grit and optimism needed to be successful. Early [...]
Second Chance Month – Build a Mindset for Success
In honor of Second Chance Month, we spoke with Emmanuel B., a post-release case manager, to get his advice for a successful return to the community. With 25 years of reentry experience, Emmanuel has helped hundreds of individuals get back on their feet after incarceration. Listen as Emmanuel shares his mindset tips that you can [...]
Second Chance Month – Think Outside the Box to Find a Job
In honor of Second Chance Month, we spoke with Antonio B., a post-release case manager, to get his advice on life after release. As a case manager, Antonio has worked with hundreds of individuals who have been previously incarcerated to help them get their life back on track. Listen as Antonio shares his mindset advice [...]
Same Prison, Different Generation. How My Son’s Visit Changed Everything.
Watch one father turn a prison wake-up call into 14 properties and a new legacy. Read Donald H.'s transcript below: “This is me four years ago. And this is me today. I wasn’t always like this. I grew up in a small town with no dad. Because my dad, he was in prison. He did [...]
Second Chance Month – Give Yourself Grace Throughout Your Journey
In honor of Second Chance Month, we spoke with Katelyn M., a reentry professional, to get her advice on reentering society. As a Reentry Program Fidelity Manager, Katelyn has worked with hundreds of individuals who have been previously incarcerated to help them along their journey. Listen to Katelyn as she shares her advice and emphasizes [...]
Second Chance Month – How to Maximize Reentry Resources
In honor of Second Chance Month, we spoke with Heather S., a reentry professional, to get her advice and tips to help you with your transition back into the community. Through her years of experience as a reentry program manager, Heather has seen many success stories throughout her career. Listen to Heather’s advice, such as [...]
