One key factor in creating a re-entry friendly city is reducing the obstacles ex-offenders face on the path to long-term success. Of course the felony tag is a burden, but even beyond that are the hurdles so many face to receive and accomplish needed tasks. Often times economic disadvantages (poverty, court costs and restitution, child support) make the hurdles even worse. Real life hindrances become trigger points for many ex-offenders to return to former unhealthy patterns of life. Second Chances Alliance exists to help overcome the obstacles below.
Everyday Obstacles for Ex-Offenders
These are just a few of the obstacles ex-offenders face. The truth is: You may have had a past, but everyone has a future. Therefore, WE BELIEVE in SECOND CHANCES. Do you believe?
Find out how you can support second chances in East Tennessee by clicking the ACT NOW button now.
Everyday Obstacles for Ex-Offenders
- Transportation - Driving to and from work, agency appointments, probation visits, medical treatment, basic daily needs
- Personal Documents - New/updated personal documents must be obtained (Social Security, State ID/DL, Birth Certificate, and more)
- Agency Time - The amount of time, confusion, money, and frustration incurred in obtaining necessary legal documentation
- Bank Accounts - Reestablishing a secure and trust-building bank account
- Driver's License - Reinstating a driver's license post incarceration
- Child Support - Being in compliance with child-support obligations while funding daily life needs
- Probation/Parole/Legal Aid - Navigating any legal or probation/parole needs
- Recovery - Wrestling with past or present drug and alcohol addiction and misuse is extremely difficult
- Housing - Locating housing, or even residential programming, open to ex-offenders
- Support Services - Trusting nonprofits, government agencies, and churches to be the supportive assistance needed
- Workforce Reintegration - Finding a sustainable-wage job and reliable transportation to and from the work sites
- Community Acceptance - Dealing with the shame and stigma-based perceptions in daily life interactions
- Toxic Relationships - Distinguishing between healthy and toxic relationships; setting proper boundaries
- Purpose - Truly believing that the significance of life is not measured by the weight of one's mistakes
These are just a few of the obstacles ex-offenders face. The truth is: You may have had a past, but everyone has a future. Therefore, WE BELIEVE in SECOND CHANCES. Do you believe?
Find out how you can support second chances in East Tennessee by clicking the ACT NOW button now.
Stopping the Second Prison for Ex-Offenders means eliminating obstacles to long-term success.
