March 25, 2025
City Council
DATE: March 25, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Subject:
Proclamation Declaring April 2025 as National Second
Chance Month
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
National Second Chance Month (observed in April) was
established to recognize the challenges faced by
individuals returning from incarceration and to promote fair opportunities in housing, employment, education, and civic participation.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION to declare April 2025 as National
Second Chance Month and to recognize the unwavering
efforts of Richmond’s reentry partners, including the
Reentry Success Center, Rubicon Programs, Safe
Return Project, Men and Women of Purpose, A Place to
Call Home, 1HundredYears Enterprise and Men and
Women of Valor - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-
412-2050).
AGENDA
REPORT
March 25, 2025
DISCUSSION:
National Second Chance Month (observed in April) was established to recognize the challenges faced by individuals returning from incarceration and to promote fair opportunities in housing, employment, education, and civic participation. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice and organizations such as the Prison Fellowship officially declared April as National Second Chance Month. Since then, federal, state, and local governments, along with nonprofits and advocacy groups, have used this time to advocate for rehabilitation, reentry programs, and equitable treatment for justice- impacted individuals.
Each year, over 600,000 individuals are released from state and federal prisons, and nearly 1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record, facing barriers that limit their ability to rebuild their lives. Without adequate support, two-thirds of released individuals are re- arrested within three years.
Richmond is home to several reentry programs, including the Reentry Success Center, Rubicon Programs, Safe Return Project, Men and Women of Purpose, and recently, And A Place Called Home, which help justice-impacted individuals reintegrate successfully. By proclaiming April as National Second Chance Month, the City of Richmond:
1. Supports Public Safety & Reduces Recidivism – Stable employment and housing significantly lower the likelihood of reoffending, creating a safer community.
2. Strengthens the Workforce & Economy – Despite facing hiring discrimination, individuals with criminal records have been shown to perform as well as other employees. Expanding opportunities benefits businesses and local economic growth.
3. Promotes Fairness & Community Well-Being – Providing second chances fosters stronger families, reduces poverty, and encourages civic engagement.
This proclamation affirms Richmond’s commitment to second chances, urging businesses, organizations, and community leaders to support reentry efforts that promote dignity, opportunity, and long-term success.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation April National Second Chance Month Attachment 2 – Proclamation April National Second Chance Month -Reentry Success Center
Attachment 3 –Proclamation April National Second Chance Month- Rubicon Programs Attachment 4 –Proclamation April National Second Chance Month-Safe Return Project Attachment 5 – Proclamation April National Second Chance Month- Men and Women of Purpose
Attachment 6 – Proclamation April National Second Chance Month-A Place to Call Home
March 25, 2025
Attachment 7 –Proclamation April National Second Chance Month- Men and Women of Valor
Attachment 8 –Proclamation April National Second Chance Month- 1HundredYears Enterprise