The Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction, alongside a coalition of community partners, proudly hosted Second Chance Summit Week from April 21st through April 26th, 2025. This impactful week-long initiative aimed to support justice-impacted individuals returning home from incarceration by connecting them with vital services, employment opportunities, and networks to ensure successful reintegration and lasting stability.
Across the city, a diverse series of empowering events brought together returning citizens, advocates, employers, and mentors:
- Panels and Community Dialogues: Experts and individuals with lived experience led discussions on reentry challenges, mental health, housing access, and restorative justice.
- Employer Roundtables and Job Fairs: Multiple employers conducted on-the-spot interviews and hiring, giving attendees immediate opportunities for meaningful employment.
- Suit Giveaways and Professional Development: Participants received professional attire and engaged in resume workshops, mock interviews, and confidence-building sessions.
- Youth and Adult Mixers: Intergenerational networking events fostered relationship-building with mentors, support groups, and reentry-focused organizations.
Second Chance Summit Week highlighted the power of community collaboration and reinforced Atlanta’s dedication to breaking cycles of recidivism by promoting dignity, opportunity, and healing for all residents.