Second Chance Month is a nationwide initiative celebrated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals returning to society after incarceration. In Philadelphia, we recognize the importance of breaking down barriers to employment, housing, and social inclusion to support successful reentry.
Every April, the City of Philadelphia joins communities across the country in observing Second Chance Month, reaffirming our commitment to providing resources, programs, and opportunities that empower returning citizens to rebuild their lives and contribute to our communities.
More about Second Chance Month
Second Chance Month is more than an awareness campaign, it’s a movement advocating for second-chance opportunities for justice-involved individuals. Founded by Prison Fellowship in 2017, the nation’s largest nonprofit serving incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, this initiative promotes justice reform and encourages public awareness of the challenges faced by returning citizens.
This effort encourages employers to become second-chance employers, offering jobs and resources to individuals who have served their sentences and are looking for a fresh start. By expanding access to education, employment, and community engagement, this initiative helps break cycles of incarceration and empower individuals to build stable, fulfilling lives.
How can you get involved?
In honor of Second Chance Month, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Public Safety (OPS) Division of Reentry (DOR) are hosting a series of local events in April. Returning citizens, and those who want to support returning citizens and contribute to their successful reentry can join us for any of the following events:
April 8: 2nd Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) North Broad Ribbon-cutting – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer, Director of the Division of Reentry Assata Thomas and other City officials will join state and local elected leaders and community members to open the 2nd NRC in North Philadelphia.
- 11AM to 12PM | With One Day at a Time | 2532 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132
April 10: Record Clearing Clinic – Expert legal assistance will be provided to help guide participants through the process of having their criminal records expunged.
- 11AM to 1PM | With Philadelphia Housing Authority | 2300 Master Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
April 15: Philadelphia Reentry Coalition Strategic Plan Rollout
- 1pM | RSVP Required at dor@phila.gov or 215-683-3370
April 18: Record Clearing Clinic – Expert legal assistance will be provided to help guide participants through the process of having their criminal records expunged.
- 10AM | With Council President Kenyatta Johnson | Yesha Ministries Worship Center, 2301 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
April 22: Second Chance Career Empowerment Panel – This event is open to ALL community members and aims to provide important information, connection to community, and a bridge to ongoing support and mentorship for justice-impacted & justice-involved individuals and their families (ages 12+).
- 10AM | Temple University, Ritter Annex Room 992, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia PA, 19102
April 22: Division of Reentry Resource Fair
- 11AM | Division of Reentry, 1425 Arch Street, 1st Floor, Philadelphia PA, 19102
April 24: Record Clearing Clinic – Expert legal assistance will be provided to help guide participants through the process of having their criminal records expunged.
- 11AM | With State Senator Sharif Street | Tat’s Hair Club, 4822 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141
April 28: Voter Registration Press Conference
- 10AM | With City Commissioner Omar Sabir | Division of Reentry, 1425 Arch Street, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102
April 29: Reentry Focused Job Fair – Hosted by DOR & Temple University, a reentry-focused job fair for justice-involved individuals.
- 10AM to 2PM | Temple University – Howard Gittis Student Activity Center (Room 200), 1755 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
To learn more information about any of the above events and/or to register, check out our full list of events.
City of Philadelphia’s Commitment to Second Chances
The City of Philadelphia is dedicated to supporting returning citizens through key offices that provide essential resources and programs:
- Office of Public Safety (OPS): Works to improve public safety by addressing the root causes of crime and creating opportunities for returning citizens, including access to jobs, housing, and essential services.
- Division of Reentry (DOR): DOR, which falls under OPS, aims to facilitate a holistic reentry process for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. Through collaboration with city partners, community organizations, employers, and service providers, ORP ensures that returning citizens have the resources and support necessary to reintegrate successfully. The program encompasses multiple aspects of the reentry journey, offering assistance with employment, education, mental health, substance abuse, housing, legal issues, and family reunification.
Join the Effort
Philadelphia’s recognition of Second Chance Month is part of a larger commitment to ensuring that returning citizens have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Join the movement for second chances! Attend an event, volunteer, or donate to help returning citizens succeed. Every action counts. Let’s make Philadelphia a city of second chances.
