Agencies unite for Second Chances forum

Local agencies are working together to bring awareness and information about second chances to those returning to the community after incarceration, as many of them struggle to find employment and stable housing once they return to their communities. Several Hancock County agencies will host a Second Chance Month community forum from 5:30-8 p.m. on April 7 at New Vision Center, 1400 Sixth St. April is being recognized as Second Chance Month for individuals affected by crime and incarceration. It was initiated by the grassroots organization Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners and their families. Claire Osborne, program manager at the nonprofit Focus, who organized the event, said nearly 1 in 3 American adults has a criminal record of some kind. "That affects education and jobs and housing," she said. Osborne and another local woman, Sharona Bishop, will speak about their experiences after incarceration and how a second chance changed their lives. "That's where you're really going to hear the why," Osborne said. Staff from Findlay Municipal Court, which serves the city of Findlay and all Hancock County townships except Washington Township, will be available to discuss Safe Surrender Day, which occurs April 14. Safe Surrender Day is an opportunity for those with outstanding warrants to get them resolved with no fault to the individual. Staff will also discuss the proposed Community Alternative Sentencing Center. Legal Aid of Western Ohio will be available to discuss the process of record sealing in Ohio, driver's license reinstatements, and certificates of qualifications for employment. Legal Aid of Western Ohio provides legal services to people living, working and raising their families in poverty in Hancock County. Osborne said the Legal Aid presentation might be meaningful for loved ones of those who have had these experiences, as well as the people with lived experience themselves. Staff from Hope House will be available to discuss transitional housing and their rapid housing programs within Hancock County. Hope House is a local nonprofit agency that provides housing support and education to meet the needs of individuals and families facing homelessness in the community. Osborne said it's fairly common that people cannot find housing because they have a criminal record. And, she said, society loses $78 billion in economic output by not allowing people to fully reenter the workforce. The event is a collaborative effort from Findlay Municipal Court, Focus, Hancock Public Health, Hope House, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, New Vision Center and Welcome to a New Life. This is a population that Hancock Public Health sees often, said public relations and communications specialist Cheryl Miller. "They share with us the struggles and the barriers that they're facing," she said. So, she said, Hancock Public Health wanted to work with other agencies to reduce those barriers. In addition, Miller said, the agency is proud one of its own: Bishop, a peer support specialist with the health department's Bloodborne Infectious Disease Prevention Program, will be sharing her story. Arthurs: 419-427-8494