HOW WE RUN OUR PRISONS:

Completely Revolutionary New Way to Restore Lives & Greatly Cut Recidivism

A Pennsylvania prison put a bunch of mixed race, age, and conviction level felons into an experimental cell block that seems to have changed everything—themselves, the guards, and the future. They call it "Little Scandinavia."

These men cook for themselves in their own kitchen, and have their own private cells. There is fitness equipment available at any time, and modular furniture for gatherings. Nearby a large tank is filled with tropical fish that exudes peace. Even the worst offenders are treated with dignity and given rights and privileges unheard of in U.S. prisons today. They are called, not by a number, but by their first names. "The inmate-versus-officer dynamic has dissolved, and is replaced by a sense that everyone is working toward the same goal,” said a guard from the Pennsylvania prison. If you think it’s too good to be true, you’d be wrong.

The idea came from Norway, which has a re-conviction rate of about 25% after 5 years, which, compared to the U.S.’s rate of 79% after 6 years, tells us that we can do better. Read this amazing story Here, and imagine what we could accomplish, both fiscally and societally, if this were implemented across the country. What an opportunity, Indiana!

FOR MANY, NO RIDE, NO JOB:

The Wait List for Van Transportation Grows As Federal Grant Funds Stagnate

Today 2nd Chance Indiana has a waiting list of 10 employers who need 13 vans right now, and more than 20 others across the state who are in talks with our Transportation team regarding their coming needs.

Most reentrant-employees have have no reliable transportation, as about 58% of newly released people do not have access to a vehicle. When they can't make it to work, they will quickly lose their jobs. 2nd Chance Indiana's Van Transportation Program is often the only thing standing between a reentrant and going back to jail or prison, as without a job they will be unable to pay court-mandated fines or even keep a roof over their heads.

Our thanks to all our patient Employer-Partners who are wiling to wait as grant money is finding its way to help.

Employment Partners on the wait list: Volumod, Good Will of Central & Southern Indiana, Recycle Force/Keys 2 Work, Fastenal, General Devices, IGH Steel Fabrication, Inc., Integrity Enterprise Services, Lite Recovery Cafe, Park 100 Foods, & The Indianapolis Urban League.

JOB-READY REENTRANTS:

Graduates Target A Better Future Through Job Training With Doug

2nd Chance Indiana's Director of Education, Doug Evans, is sometimes a father figure and always a friend to those who never knew the skills they possessed, or how to get the job they want as they look ahead to reentry.

In the past few months in the Marion County Detention Center alone he has trained 100 students, connected many of them with mentors, and sent graduation certificates to almost all lawyers and judges who will consider his students' futures. Evans taught within the prison system for decades, but after IDOC retirement, he chose this work because it is fulfilling and challenging, but most of all because it is rewarding. 2nd Chance Indiana employs some of the most caring and able people in this great state, and we are so proud of Doug and the work he does so well.

Pictured above, Anonymous, victorious job training graduates, and below, Doug Evans, 2nd Chance Indiana's Director of Education.

BE AN ENCOURAGER!

Letters From Inmates Go Unanswered...

Please Consider Joining Our Team

So many people in prison are completely alone. They are serving long sentences, don't receive letters, and many never have a visitor. But you can be a light in the darkness. 2nd Chance Indiana's David McElwain is ready to answer any questions that you might have, and can provide you with all the ways that writers can feel safe and secure, as they breathe friendship and encouragement into the life of someone who needs a positive force in their lives. Remember Hebrews 13:3 encourages us to remember those in prison as if they were imprisoned with them, and to empathize with those who are alone and forgotten. Consider developing an outreach team at your organization or church, where letters can be addressed to a central location. Email David Here and see if you could join our Inmate Correspondence Team!

ALL AROUND THE STATE:

Check Out Available Job Fairs And Career Training Info State-Wide

2nd Chance Indiana is proud to partner with The Indiana Department of Workforce Development  which provides an up-to-date list of Job Fairs across the state Here. In region 5, visit the Franklin Job Fair, at 97 Umbarger Lane, on April 7th 9am-12pm, and check out the information about Franklin's fair Here.

Or, every week the Northern Indiana Weekly Job Fair, in Region 2 is held at the South Bend WorkOne Center, 220 W. Colfax Ave., between 9am and 12pm. Click Here for a Spanish version of the information for the South Bend fair.

Finally, don't miss the weekly job fair in Region 12 in Indianapolis: "Wednesdays At WorkOne," every Wednesday, 4410 N. Shadeland Ave. in Indianapolis, 9am-12pm. There you can apply for jobs and look into educational and certification possibilities. Check out their information Here.