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More Than a Second Chance: Honoring Purpose, Power, and Possibility

4/24/2025

April is National Second Chance Month—a time to reflect, honor, and act. In our recent newsletter, we highlighted the importance of supporting individuals returning home from incarceration and the transformative power of community-rooted reentry. At It Takes A Village Collaborative (ITAVcollab), that commitment goes beyond one month—it lives in every circle we hold, every relationship we build, and every participant we walk with.
As we close out the month, we’re centering the voices of those doing the work. Sydni, our social justice director works closely with justice-impacted individuals, offers this powerful reflection:

“For many justice-impacted individuals, the concept of a ‘second chance’ is misleading—because they were never truly given a first. Due to generations of systemic racism, economic divestment, and structural barriers, these individuals have been forced to navigate life in survival mode from an early age. Opportunities to dream, to rest, or to imagine a life of purpose have often been out of reach.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab

Her words echo what we see every day at ITAVcollab. The barriers facing returning citizens aren’t just legal or economic—they’re deeply human. The systems that criminalize, confine, and control too often fail to support healing or possibility.

“As people return home from incarceration, they are often met with a new set of constraints that further strip away autonomy and stall healing. Told what to do, when to do it, and how to live, they are rarely provided the tools, resources, or dignity to rebuild their lives on their own terms.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab

This is where ITAVcollab’s work begins. We believe reentry is not about charity—it’s about justice. It's about restoring access to joy, healing, and self-determination.

“National Second Chance Month should be about more than programs and promises—it should be a call to action to honor the lived expertise of those most impacted. It’s about creating space at decision-making tables, amplifying their voices, and nurturing their ability to wake up each day with purpose.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab

“True second chances begin when we allow people to define success for themselves, to heal out loud, and to walk boldly in their God-given purpose—on purpose and with passion.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab

National Second Chance Month | ITAVcollab
This month, Sydni took the stage at the inaugural HBCU Summit at Bowie State University, joining a powerful lineup of changemakers in a dynamic conversation about reentry, equity, and the importance of building strong, sustainable foundations for justice-involved individuals. Her presence reinforced ITAVcollab’s deep commitment to ensuring that those closest to the challenges are leading the charge—on campuses, in communities, and at the policy table.

Later in the month, ITAVcollab also showed up strong at the Returning Citizens Affairs Division Symposium in Prince George’s County. Sydni tabled on behalf of the organization, connecting directly with attendees and sharing resources that center community healing and second chances. Shoa had the honor of speaking on a panel alongside other thought leaders, where she lifted up our hands-on work and emphasized the critical need for continued investment in holistic reentry support systems within the county. Together, their participation made it clear: that ITAvcollab is not just talking about change—we’re helping build it.

From Surviving to Thriving: Participant Voices

Throughout April, we stood alongside people who are not only returning home but also rising in their power. Their stories remind us that reentry is not just about systems change—it’s about soul work.

“It’s the first time someone asked me what I wanted—not what I did wrong.”
— J., program participant

“Having a place to share my story gave me the confidence to believe in my future.”
— L., reentry advocate & former participant

Whether it’s in healing circles, job coaching sessions, or leadership workshops, ITAVcollab participants continue to show us what resilience truly looks like—and what’s possible when they’re supported with care, respect, and autonomy.
At ITAVcollab, every gathering is more than an event—it’s a space for truth-telling, restoration, and collective visioning. Throughout Second Chance Month, we created opportunities for people impacted by incarceration to lead, reflect, and connect.
This April, our spaces included:

Circle work and healing dialogues, where participants shared stories, hope, and gained practical self-care tools in community.
Leadership roundtables, where directly impacted people led the way—not just as storytellers, but as decision-makers and movement builders.
Resource sessions with trusted partners, helping participants access housing, employment, and mental wellness support.

These weren’t just events—they were acts of love, resistance, and deep care. They reminded us that second chances are not handed out—they are nurtured, co-created, and fought for.

More Than a Month— A Movement At ITAVcollab, we know that reentry doesn’t start or end with a program. It’s a relationship. A commitment. A long walk toward justice, taken together. Second Chance Month is a powerful time of reflection, but the work continues—every day, in every village, with every voice that refuses to be silenced. Let’s move beyond the idea of second chances and into a future where people are seen, supported, and celebrated the first time around. Together, we’re building something deeper than reentry—we’re building belonging.

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National Stress Awareness Month: Chill Ways to Beat Stress

4/10/2025

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April is here, and with it comes National Stress Month! Stress is something we all deal with, whether it’s from work, school, or just life in general. But don’t stress about stress! This month is all about finding better, more holistic ways to manage it – and trust us, there are some fun and easy tricks that can make a big difference in how you feel.

Stress: What’s Really Going On?
We all know the feeling: that overwhelming sense of “I have too much to do and not enough time.” While a little stress can push us to get things done (hello, last-minute deadlines), constant stress can wreck your health – mentally, physically, and emotionally. But before you let it get the best of you, let’s explore some simple ways to handle it without burning out.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), over 75% of adults report experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month, and over one-third say stress is impacting their mental and physical health. Chronic stress has been linked to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, and a weakened immune system.

But the impact of stress isn't evenly distributed across the population --
Black women, in particular, bear a disproportionate burden.

Stress and Black Women’s Health
Black women face unique stressors rooted in systemic racism, sexism, economic disparities, and cultural expectations to be the “strong one.” Studies show:

Nearly 60% of Black women report feeling overwhelmed by stress, more than any other racial or gender group.
Black women are twice as likely to experience high blood pressure by midlife compared to white women, a condition strongly linked to chronic stress.
Research from the Black Women’s Health Study found that chronic stress significantly contributes to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and premature aging (also known as “weathering”).

All of this makes it clear: stress isn’t just a feeling—it’s a health issue, and for Black women, it’s a critical one.

Natural Ways to Remedy Stress

1. Meditate for 5 Minutes (Seriously)
It might sound like something you’d only see in a yoga class or a wellness blog, but meditation can work wonders – even if you’re not a “spiritual” person. Taking just 5-10 minutes a day to be still, focus on your breath, or practice mindfulness can help reduce stress and give your brain a much-needed reset. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Headspace for some easy meditation guides that can fit into even the busiest schedule.

2. Get Moving, Even Just a Little
It’s not just about getting in shape – exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress. Whether it’s a 10 minute walk around the block, a yoga session on youtube, or a full-on workout, moving your body releases endorphins, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Need inspiration? Check out ClassPass to find fitness classes in your area, or simply take the stairs instead of the elevator next time!

3. Herbal Remedies and Scents to the Rescue
Who knew that a cup of tea could do more than just warm you up? Chamomile, lavender, and ashwagandha are all known for their stress-relieving properties. You can sip on a calming tea or even use essential oils to create a relaxing environment at home. Plant Therapy has a ton of essential oils to help you set the mood and make your space feel like a wellness sanctuary. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank. You can easily find affordable essential oils at local stores like Marshalls, Ross, or TJ Maxx—making relaxation budget-friendly.

4. Fuel Your Body Right
What you put into your body matters more than you think when it comes to managing stress. Opt for foods that stabilize your blood sugar and help your brain function at its best. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish (think salmon or chia seeds) are packed with nutrients that support your mood and energy levels. Try swapping out that afternoon snack for something more nutritious – your brain will thank you.

5. Sleep Is Your Superpower
Stress and lack of sleep are basically best friends, and not the good kind. When you’re stressed, it can be hard to shut off your mind and get the rest you need. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and if you’re having trouble, try winding down with some calming activities like reading, journaling, or even a guided sleep story on Calm.

6. Journal It Out
Writing down your thoughts can help you sort through what’s stressing you out. Take a few minutes each day to jot down your feelings – even if it’s just a brain dump of whatever’s going on in your head. You’d be surprised how much lighter you’ll feel once it’s on paper. Plus, you can look back at your journal later to see just how far you’ve come!

Build Better Stress Management Habits

Stress isn’t going anywhere, but how we deal with it can make all the difference. The key is to find a balance and take small steps toward better managing stress in your life. Start with one or two of these holistic tips and make them a part of your daily routine. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection!

Resources for Stress Relief
If you’re looking for more tips, tools, or just need someone to talk to, check out these great resources:

The American Psychological Association – A goldmine of articles and tips for dealing with stress.

Therapy for Black Girls is a mental health platform dedicated to supporting the wellness of Black women and girls. It offers a therapist directory, weekly podcast, blog, and a vibrant community—making culturally competent care more accessible and empowering.
Queen BEE Talks – A space to relax, relate, release with others within the community.

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With a few holistic tools in your pocket, you can handle whatever comes your way with a bit more peace and a lot less pressure.

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More Than a Second Chance: Honoring Purpose, Power, and Possibility

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More Than a Second Chance: Honoring Purpose, Power, and Possibility

National Stress Awareness Month: Chill Ways to Beat Stress

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