MEANINGFUL LIVES:

Building & Rebuilding Men In Our Communities

Mother Theresa once said, "Help one person at a time and start with the person nearest you." New Covenant Church's Sr. Pastor, Brian Hudson, held a panel discussion on the subject of building and re-building men, and hosted some major "helpers" at work in Indianapolis. These issues are not theoretical to the active change-makers pictured above, all of whom are involved with hands-on work to uplift those who are cast down. Their efforts positively affect lives and even generations in our community.

2nd Chance Indiana's Jim Cotterill was privileged to be part of the august group of life-changers. He says,"These men are not only improving lives in our city, they are a catalyst for a better future for everyone in Indiana." To watch a replay of the event, click Here.

PHOTO (LtoR): Jim Cotterill, President 2nd Chance Indiana; Brian Hudson, Sr. Pastor, New Covenant Church; Corey Jones, Educator at KIPP Academy and Pastor at New Covenant Church; Dr. William Bumphus II, Founder of Jesus Inside Prison Ministry; Dr. William Bumphus III, formerly Director at Wheeler Mission.

LITE Recovery offers several outreach programs for justice-involved people, like peer recovery coaching, training, and educational opportunities inside the Kosciusko County Jail. For Cotton, the 2nd Chance Indiana Van Transportation Program solves the problem they have faced in providing reliable transportation for reentrants, who need to show up every day so they can keep their jobs as they begin to build financial security under themselves and their families.

Pictured (LtoR) Top: 2nd Chance Indiana's Director of Transportation Molly Oliver, and LITE Ministries Transportation Manager Tim Thompson. Bottom row (LtoR): LITE Ministry's Founder Tammy Cotton, and 2CI's Transportation Coordinator Stephanie Emrie.

WORKING WITH FRIENDS:

Purposeful Design Partners With 2nd Chance Indiana

To increase the potential of reentrants finding meaningful work after incarceration, Josh Crawford who oversees the Advance! job training at Purposeful Design recently met with a trio from 2nd Chance Indiana. Purposeful Design has agreed to offer Advance! training to those who have been released from incarceration and have attended our Winning@Work classes inside the Marion County Detention Center.

Plus, the organizations are sharing employer lists to provide a broader field of job options for reentrants. Purposeful Design is a Christian ministry that exists to help rebuild lives of people who have struggled with addiction, homelessness, and incarceration as they train them with valuable skills and provide the gift of work. 

PHOTO (LtoR) Top Row: 2nd Chance Indiana's Employer Relationship Manager,Tyler Carlson; Purposeful Design's Advance! Operations Manager, Josh Crawford, Bottom Row: 2CI's V.P. Scott Whiting, and Director of Training, Doug Evans.

JOB & A RIDE:

Still On The Fence?

Here's Why To Hire Reentrants Now

Ever since the Pandemic Indiana has had a shortage of workers. In fact, there are only 72 available workers for every 100 jobs in Indiana. Because of this shortage, Indiana's Senate Bill 488, is aimed at helping unemployed Hoosiers get the training and certification needed to access and fill high-demand jobs. Studies have shown that formerly incarcerated people can be great employees, and for concerned employers, there is a free Federal Bonding Program, and Work Opportunity Tax Credits that can be the icing on the cake for many employers. 

Here’s the thing: without a job, a reentrant has a slim-to-nil chance of having a successful future. Hoosier employers are the answer, and transportation for reentrant workers is available to make sure everyone gets to work on time. With expanding industry here, the shortage may expand to affect more service and manufacturers. Fill your job openings now–it can get uncomfortable on the fence. 2nd Chance Indiana can help.

2CI IN A NUTSHELL:

Here’s What 2nd Chance Indiana Does: Pass It On!

Recently, one of our employer partners requested a one-page document to easily explain the services that are available to reentrants and employers all over Indiana.

So, here it is. All you need to do is click on 2CI One Pager and you can print or download the actual PDF. There's a lot of information there: From reentrant Job Website for people with a criminal record, to our Transportation Program that helps the 58% of reentrants who don’t have reliable cars get to work. Then there are the wrap-around efforts that include job training, an inmate correspondent team, and a prayer warrior effort and more.

Our efforts are growing! We have learned that a job and a ride is a winning combination that can change lives. Print out a copy, and spread the word, because this work truly takes a village.