NewLife-Second Chance Outreach, Inc. (NL-SCO, Inc), a formerly incarcerated and volunteer led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting justice-impacted Georgian, proudly announces that the State of Georgia has officially recognized July 2026 as Reentry Awareness Month through a proclamation issued by the Governor. This marks the 10th consecutive year that July has been formally recognized as Reentry Awareness Month in Georgia, underscoring the ongoing need to support successful reentry, amplify the importance of 2nd chances and inclusion, reduce recidivism and strengthen communities across the state.

To commemorate this milestone, NL-SCO, Inc. and its statewide network of partners will host a series of free virtual and in-person events throughout July in Atlanta, Columbus, Stockbridge, Douglasville, and online. The events are designed to educate the public, provide resources, support healing and wellness, strengthen employment opportunities, encourage civic engagement and elevate the voices and experiences of justice impacted and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.

"Ten years of statewide recognition represents more than a proclamation—it represents a growing movement dedicated to second chances, restoration and community inclusion," said Waleisah Wilson-Menefee, a Columbus native who started the organization in 2012 after her release from prison to address the lack of opportunities, programming and support for people returning home after incarceration. "Reentry impacts every community and when we invest in people returning home, we strengthen families, workplaces, houses of worship, and neighborhoods across Georgia."

Featured Reentry Awareness Month Events Include:

• Beyond "Felon" & "Inmate": A Call for Media to Transform Crime Reporting Through Humanizing Language – A webinar focused on encouraging journalists and media professionals to adopt person-centered language when reporting on justice-impacted individuals.
• Support Group for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals and Families – A monthly virtual gathering offering encouragement, resources, and peer support.
• Focus Group & Lunch for Formerly Incarcerated Women – A conversation highlighting the experiences and needs of formerly women impacted by Georgia’s work release program and unpaid incarcerated labor.
• Stolen Futures: The Cost of Criminalizing Our Children – A discussion exploring the school-to-prison pipeline and its connection to mass incarceration.
• Family & Friends Fellowship Events – Opportunities for connection, recreation, and relationship building among justice-impacted individuals, loved ones, and community supporters.
• Mindset for Success: Healing, Recovery & Employment Readiness Workshop – A wellness-focused workshop addressing trauma recovery, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and workforce preparation.
• Community Reentry Resource Training Session – Educational workshops highlighting career pathways, workforce development opportunities, certifications, and employment options in transportation, warehousing, and dispatching industries.
• Job Fair Success Tips: Know Before You Go! – A three-part job fair and employment readiness series that provides tips and best practices to job seekers, particularly those impacted by a criminal record. 
• Family & Friends Worship and Dinner Gathering – A faith-based event promoting inclusion, fellowship and community support.
• Reentry Simulation, Volunteer Training & Town Hall – An immersive experience designed to help community members understand the barriers faced by individuals returning from incarceration.
• Ballots & Bites: Voter Education and Community Dinner – An event focused on civic engagement, voter education and community empowerment.
• TRUE 2nd Chance Job & Resource Fair – The month's signature community employment event connecting justice impacted job and resource seekers with employers, community resources, service providers, expungement resources, workforce development opportunities and supportive services.

Reentry Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the challenges individuals face after incarceration while highlighting the importance of employment, housing, healthcare, family reunification, civic engagement and community acceptance in achieving successful reintegration. All events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule of events, registration information, volunteer opportunities or sponsorship inquiries, visit www.nlscoinc.org/our-work/events or email office@nlscoinc.org. 

About NewLife-Second Chance Outreach, Inc. NewLife-Second Chance Outreach, Inc. is a formerly incarcerated and volunteer led nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing barriers to successful reentry through advocacy, education, workforce development, peer support, community engagement, and second-chance opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and their families.

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