Every year an average of 6,983 people are released from Minnesota prisons. In 2022, 78% of those individuals were released directly into the community with minimal resources for a successful re-entry. This is why it is so important that we engage in conversations during Second Chance Month.
Second Chance Month raises awareness about the barriers to those impacted by the cycle of incarceration. One of those barriers is sustainable employment.
Not only are they left with less opportunities to find employment, but the employment they may receive is likely to place them well below the poverty line (Prison Policy Initiative). Recidivism is much more likely to occur when unemployment is a looming factor in an individual’s life. Consider all of the things that are connected to employment: housing, identity, self-worth, etc. When those are taken from us, we are less likely to experience any form of restoration.
So, what does all of this have to do with us? Maybe you do not realize the power that you hold, but your voice can help us in bringing awareness for those that desire restoration in their life and are committed to using their second chance. Not only that, but some of us are employers, landlords, and policy makers. We can create opportunities for our family members, friends, colleagues, and peers by just looking at the policies that are in place where we work and live. Are the hiring policies outdated and require education that is not necessary? Does a background check inhibit someone from getting a job that would otherwise be a great employee? You could advocate for changes that would not only benefit the person you care about but also the places you work.
This month, we’re calling all of us to take a look at the role we can play in providing a second chance for the many that desire to exit the cycle and take a second chance.