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

​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:
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“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
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“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.
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​From Surviving to Thriving: Participant Voices

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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
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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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