JustLeadershipUSA Celebrates Second Chance Month 2024

JustLeadershipUSA President and CEO DeAnna Hoskins shared this statement with the JLUSA team today:

April is here, and with it brings beautiful spring weather, but also one of the most important months for JustLeadershipUSA – Second Chance Month.

Because of you, we have built the table—and it is growing.

Second Chance Month is the very essence of JLUSA’s core mission. Just as trees burst into life after the cold winter during this season, Second Chance Month symbolizes the opportunity for individuals to flourish and thrive after experiencing a period of incarceration. Team JLUSA serves as a living example of this transformation, and we take pride in reaffirming our commitment to second chances, redemption, and the reintegration of individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system every day through our work across the nation.

This April is particularly special as it also marks the first anniversary of our very own JustUS Coordinating Council (JCC)! Since its launch last year, we have been building key relationships at the federal level and engaged in meaningful collaboration. We have grown as we have navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and forged strong partnerships that have propelled us forward on our mission. This month, we will witness the result of these partnerships through a series of events that reflect the impactful partnerships we have nurtured with federal agencies, stakeholders, allies, and even adversaries over the past 12 months. Here’s to a year of accomplishments and real impact that we will continue to make together in the years to come. We have just scraped the tip of the iceberg. Happy anniversary, JCC!

As we celebrate this significant milestone, JLUSA and the JCC would like to express our sincere appreciation to the JCC founding committee and members for their unwavering support and believing in us and our mission. Because of you, we have built the table—and it is growing. Thank you!

Together, we reaffirm our belief in the inherent dignity and potential of every human being. Let’s continue to raise our voices and advocate for policies and practices that support true second chances. May we always strive to foster a culture of compassion and understanding within our communities as we amplify and empower all voices to build a just U.S.