Columbia proclaims April 'Second Chance' month and highlights reentry resources

Mayor Daniel J. Rickerman on April 13 proclaimed April 2026 as Second Chance Awareness Month for Columbia and urged local businesses, nonprofits and faith institutions to expand hiring opportunities for returning citizens.

Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement staff described the city’s fair‑chance hiring practices and "ban the box" efforts to reduce employment barriers for people with conviction histories. A program assistant and community participants described reentry supports and community programming, and announced a Community Healing Circle at the Belmont Community Center on April 23 to connect returning citizens with resources.

Community member Alfonso Staten described his experience with reentry and urged employers to provide jobs that help returning citizens avoid recidivism. "Do you know that 1 in 3 American adults, that's roughly 70,000,000 people that have records?" Staten said, stressing that successful reentry is "the cornerstone of public safety." Councilmembers praised the message and encouraged city PR staff to amplify the outreach in short, targeted messages to reach young people and those reentering the community.

Mayor Rickerman reiterated the city’s commitment to remove barriers to employment and to work with nonprofits and employers to provide meaningful opportunities. The proclamation affirms the city’s support for reentry programs and asks partners to participate in local events and hiring initiatives during April.