Label
RIA Second Chance Month
Councilman Hobbs
Title
Recognizing April 2025 as National Second Chance month in Toledo.
Summary
WHEREAS, more than 600,000 individuals are released from federal and state prisons with millions more cycling through our jails annually; and
WHEREAS, promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have paid their debt to society making communities safer by reducing victimization and recidivism, assisting those who return from jail or prison to become productive citizens, and saving taxpayer dollars by lowering direct and collateral costs of incarceration; and
WHEREAS, providing returning citizens with affordable housing, job and life skills, educational opportunities, and mental health and addiction treatment services increases the likelihood that they will be successful upon release; and
WHEREAS, due to the efforts of the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Reentry Committee, and dedicated reentry agencies and volunteers, Lucas County’s recidivism rate is 23.2% which is lower than the statewide average of 32.7% and a nationwide average of 46%; and
WHEREAS, Toledo and Lucas County have taken important steps to reduce barriers facing people who are released from prison or jail through collaborations with the Federal Reentry Court, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, and the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio; and
WHEREAS, effective reentry programs offer the chance for a better life to those who return from correction facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That we recognize April 2025 as National Second Chance month in Toledo and encourage all residents to recognize the critical reentry work being done in Toledo Lucas County Ohio on a daily basis by dedicated reentry advocates.
Adopted: April 8, 2025: yeas 12, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Carrie Hartman
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: April 8, 2025
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor