Second Chances was founded by Fred Dent, a retired environmental engineer and educator who has been helping individuals returning from prison for nearly 40 years.
In 1985 Fred was living in Orlando, Florida, working as an Environmental Engineer, and was also on staff at a local church where he met two men struggling after release from a Florida prison. With no background but his faith, Fred began mentoring people returning from incarceration.
Fred’s Journey
After an early retirement in 2009, Fred found himself unexpectedly incarcerated for 29 months in Washington State Prison. This experience gave Fred a new perspective on the issues facing Returning Citizens when they release. Eager to be successful and with a changed heart, these incarcerated men and women face a new life that they never experienced before and are not equipped to adjust to those changes. Their first 90 days can be confusing, demoralizing, frustrating and overwhelming.
Before his release, Fred recognized a calling to help others navigate the challenges they would face upon release leading him to focus his retirement years to mentoring these Returning Citizens to overcome reentry challenges and become valuable members of their community. Fred found training and support from Prison Fellowship.
We believe that people should be judged by their future potential, not their past mistakes.
Our Mission
At Second Chances, we believe that people should be judged by their future potential, not their past mistakes. Our mission is to restore Returning Citizens’ honor, dignity and self-respect by providing the support, opportunities and resources they need to overcome the barriers of the “Second Prison” and become successful, productive citizens in their communities.
Our Approach
We focus on four key elements that research has shown are critical for successful re-entry:
- Nurturing a deep commitment to avoiding re-offending
- Securing adequate and affordable housing
- Obtaining steady employment
- Building a solid support network free from negative influences
Through mentoring, skills training, and community partnerships, we help Returning Citizens address each of these crucial areas.
Our Partners
Second Chances is program of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative (SpoFI). SpoFI’s commitment to strengthening families and communities aligns with our mission to help Returning Citizens rebuild their lives, reconnect with their loved ones and become productive citizens. We are funded by local churches, organizations and individuals.
We are part of the Spokane Chapter of Community Partnership for Transition Solutions a coalition of local non-profit organizations, government agencies and the Washington State Department of Corrections working together to help Returning Citizens be successful and reduce recidivism in our region.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you’re a Returning Citizen seeking support, a community member interested in volunteering, or a potential partner organization, we invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can create a society that truly believes in the power of second chances.
FAQs
What is the Second Prison?
The Second Prison has no physical bars or guards, but its impact can be just as confining:
- Difficulty finding employment due to criminal records
- Challenges securing housing
- Limited access to education and training
- Social stigma and isolation
- Legal restrictions on certain rights and opportunities
Who are Returning Citizens?
Returning Citizens are individuals who have served their time and are re-entering society. They come from all walks of life and have diverse skills and experiences. What they share is a desire to build a better future and contribute positively to their communities.
I am a Returning Citizen seeking support, how can Second Chances help?
Second Chances offers comprehensive re-entry support for Returning Citizens in Spokane, Washington and across the state:
- Pre-release planning and mentoring
- Housing assistance
- Employment readiness and job placement
- Ongoing support and counseling
- Community integration programs
I know an inmate who wants more information, what can I do?
Fill out a brief form, and we’ll be in touch ASAP.