Proclamation Recognizing Richmond’s Re-entry Partner
Safe Return Project
National Second Chance Month April 2025
WHEREAS, justice is not merely about punishment but about the power of redemption, renewal, and the unwavering belief in human potential; and the City of Richmond affirms that every individual, regardless of their past, deserves the opportunity to rebuild, restore, and contribute to their community with dignity and purpose; and WHEREAS, more than 600,000 individuals return home from incarceration each year, seeking the opportunity to contribute to their families and communities, yet too often face insurmountable barriers to employment, housing, education, and civic engagement; and WHEREAS, in 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice, alongside organizations such as Prison Fellowship, formally recognized April as National Second Chance Month, calling upon the nation to embrace the power of redemption, the necessity of fair opportunities, and the collective responsibility to support reintegration efforts; and WHEREAS, nearly one in three Americans has a criminal record, and systemic obstacles deny many the basic resources needed to reestablish their lives, perpetuating cycles of poverty, recidivism, and disenfranchisement that weaken communities and hinder public safety; and
WHEREAS, Richmond is a city built on resilience, and through the efforts of local re - entry programs, we affirm our commitment to fostering pathways to opportunity, ensuring that justice-impacted individuals have access to the tools needed for long -term success; and
WHEREAS, when we invest in second chances, we invest in stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and a more just society, acknowledging that redemption is not merely an ideal but a necessary principle in the pursuit of equity and healing; and we recognize the unwavering efforts of Richmond’s re-entry partner, Safe Return Project , who work tirelessly to ensure justice -impacted individuals receive the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as National Second Chance Month in the City of Richmond. I encourage all residents, businesses, and institutions to reaffirm our shared belief in transformation, to support efforts that remove barriers to reintegration, and to stand in solidarity with those seeking a fresh start.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, during this month of National Second Chance , we recognize the citizens of Richmond, who are committed to building a future in which no person is deprived of human dignity or denied their inherent human rights of liberty, security, and access to justice.
_________________________ _________________________ Mayor Eduardo Martinez Council Member Jamelia Brown City of Richmond District 1 March 25, 2025
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Council Member Soheila Bana
District 4