The History of Second Chance Month

Every person has inherent dignity and untapped potential. Yet nearly 1 in 3 American adults lives with a criminal record and often face significant barriers to employment, housing, education, and stability.

In 2017, Prison Fellowship launched Second Chance Month as a nationwide effort to raise awareness about these challenges and advocate for meaningful change. At the time, individuals with criminal records were facing nearly 44,000 legal barriers that limited their ability to fully reintegrate into society.

That same year, the movement gained immediate national recognition when the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution officially declaring April as Second Chance Month. What began as a single initiative quickly grew into a bipartisan movement focused on restoring opportunity and reducing stigma.

Since its launch, Second Chance Month has continued to expand in reach and impact. Multiple U.S. presidents have issued official proclamations recognizing April as Second Chance Month, and more than 35 states have followed suit. Today, over 1,100 organizations, churches, and businesses participate annually by working together to unlock brighter futures for individuals and families across the country.

Each year, communities nationwide take part in events and initiatives that promote awareness and action. Churches host Second Chance Sunday services, organizations lead policy briefings and advocacy efforts, and supporters mobilize through petitions, prayer gatherings, and social media campaigns.

These collective efforts have made a measurable difference. With more than 80,000 letters sent to lawmakers, Second Chance Month continues to inspire policy change and public support by helping to remove barriers and create pathways for people to rebuild their lives.

Second Chance Month is more than an observance. it’s a growing movement grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity for a fresh start.