Cook County Leaders Recognize April as Second Chance Month

Cook County’s reentry housing and employment programs continue accepting new participants

This month, the Cook County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution designating April as Second Chance Month in Cook County. The resolution, sponsored by Cook County Commissioner Michael Scott, highlights the barriers faced by residents returning home from incarceration and calls for collaboration to promote successful reentry in Cook County.

“Cook County is proud to join communities and municipalities across the country in recognizing Second Chance Month,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “People who have paid their debt to society deserve a meaningful second chance to thrive in their communities, yet they face significant barriers to success. By investing in reentry programs and services that help returning residents succeed, we are building a safer, stronger, more just Cook County for all.”

“This month, stakeholders across the county are working together to raise awareness about the collateral consequences associated with incarceration,” said Cook County Commissioner Michael Scott. “The approximately 20,000 people who leave Illinois prisons each year often face legal and social barriers to attaining employment and fair housing. We are committed to supporting returning residents so they can overcome these challenges and successfully make the transition home.”

Cook County operates multiple reentry programs designed to support residents returning home from incarceration: Cook County Reconnect and the Road Home Program.

Cook County Reconnect, managed by the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, is an American Rescue Plan Act-funded initiative that provides eligible returning residents with support in finding and securing housing, rental assistance and optional support services. The program completed a pilot phase in 2023. Currently, 40 individuals are housed through the program and an additional 57 individuals are engaged in the housing search or lease process. As of this month, Cook County Reconnect has reopened and is now accepting referrals through its community partners.

“A safe, stable place to live is critical for successful reentry, yet it is one of the most common unmet needs for people coming out of incarceration,” said Nikki Muñoz, Reentry Services Manager for the Justice Advisory Council. “Cook County Reconnect addresses this need and helps returning residents overcome barriers including housing discrimination and affordability.” 

Community-based organizations offer additional support to Reconnect participants, including employment support, legal aid and connection to mental, physical and behavioral healthcare services. These services are provided by the Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action and the North Lawndale Employment Network.

“Second Chance Month reminds us that returning residents possess incredible potential and play vital roles in their families and communities,” said Brenda Palms, President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Lawndale Employment Network. Through connection to housing and employment opportunities and access to healthcare and legal services, we see returning residents thriving as entrepreneurs, creators and change-makers. We are proud to be working with Cook County to support successful reentry and help returning residents achieve their goals.”

The Road Home Program, managed by The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership with support from the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and Justice Advisory Council, is a comprehensive reentry program focused on removing barriers to employment. Agencies in the Road Home network connect returning residents to job training and provide job search assistance, helping them to match with second chance employers in growing sectors such as transportation and manufacturing. Participants are supported with additional services to meet their individual needs.

“Removing barriers to employment is a key element of workforce development,” said Partnership CEO George Wright. “During the last program year alone, nearly 100 participants enrolled in the Road Home program. More than half participated in On-the-Job training, allowing employers to gain confidence in hiring re-entrants and allowing those returning home to build a resume and work history. Cook County’s continual support of this program, increasing its financial commitment last year, is a testament to its commitment to this important segment of the workforce.”

Beginning in 2017, research institutions, community organizations, and local and federal government agencies have recognized April as Second Chance Month. The goals of Second Chance Month are to raise awareness about the collateral consequences associated with incarceration, to work to address legal and social barriers faced by returning residents and to promote successful reentry by increasing opportunities for returning residents. 

To learn more about Cook County’s reentry programs, visit CookCountyIL.gov/JACReentry and ChiCookWorks.org/initiatives/roadhome