CHICAGO⯗ Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Reentry kicked off the Reentry Convening, The Other Side of Reentry: From First Contact to Second Chanceto conclude Second Chance Month.
Building on the Johnson administration’s efforts to expand opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, the convening aims to create a shared space for dialogue, partnerships, and action.
The second annual convening held at the Hope Center welcomed approximately 300 attendees and serves as a collaborative space to strengthen partnerships, share resources and align strategies aimed at improving reentry outcomes across the city.
“The question is not whether people will return to our communities, but how prepared they will be when they do,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By coming together to get reentry right, we’re doing more than opening the door to second chances, we’re providing concrete pathways to success while strengthening our communities.
Successful reentry depends on partnership with agencies, community-based organizations, and those with lived experience and I’m grateful for each and every Chicagoan who joined us today to advance this critical work.”
Bringing together community members, service providers, community-based organizations, and local leaders, the event serves as a powerful tool for developing pathways and opportunities for those impacted by the legal system.
“As we close out the national recognition of Second Chance Month, we’re signaling this City’s commitment to continue partnering to build an ecosystem where everyone returning to Chicago has a fair chance,” said Office of Reentry Director Joseph Mapp. “For me, reentry has never been about a single moment.
It’s a process that starts well before someone comes home and continues in how we show up on the other side.
Under this administration, we’re maintaining partnerships by intentionally strengthening them across community and government which are ultimately informed by those closest to the work, to make sure people have real access to housing, opportunity, and support.”
Today’s convening includes panelists and featured participants including individuals from JTDC, mental health microgrants recipients, representatives from U.S. Rep. Danny K.
Davis’ office, and Executive Director of the Hope Center Shenita Muse.
“True justice doesn’t end at release—it begins with opportunity,” said Shenita Muse, Executive Director of the Hope Center. “In Roseland, we are committed to ensuring system impacted individuals have access to a career pathway, housing, and a future they can own.
Let today's convening be a testament to the commitment of Director Joseph Mapp, the Office of Reentry, and the city of Chicago in ensuring an equitable city for all its residents.”
Second Chance Month is an annual observance dedicated to uplifting and supporting individuals who have been impacted by the justice system while highlighting the importance of providing people resources and opportunities which support success upon returning to their communities.
Mayor Johnson re-established and re-built the Office of Reentry in 2024, marking the City’s first fully-resourced commitment to reentry.
The Office’sYear One Reportdetails the foundational work being done to shape reentry policy and programming while offering a comprehensive review of the Johnson administration’s approach to improving outcomes and providing support for system impacted individuals.
Learn more atchicago.gov/reentry.
Mayor’s Office of Reentry
The Office of Reentry, which was permanently established by Mayor Johnson, leads initiatives aimed at providing holistic support to returning residents and their families, ensuring impacted individuals can access the resources they need to thrive.
Each year, more than 1만 individuals return to Chicago following detention or incarceration.
The majority return to communities on the South and West Sides.