Despite a general downward trend in America’s crime rate, the number of incarcerated individuals continues to climb. December’s forum provided different perspectives from former inmates and a Deschutes County Adult Parole & Probation officer on the importance of second chances to our community. If you missed the forum view it here. We urge you to continue the conversation and take action on this critical topic.
Three ways you can engage?
- Share the information you learned with others to help break the stigma.
- Consider hiring people with criminal backgrounds.
- Offer mentorship and training to former inmates to help them succeed.
Want more information? Explore these additional resources:
- Changing Patterns (C.O.) provides education, mentorship, and resources for those exiting the correctional system. Facebook.com/changingpatternsinc/
- Second Chances Tour (Oregon) workshops to engage employers to hire people with criminal records. Secondchancetour.com
- Help for Felons is breaking barriers felons face on the outside by finding housing, jobs, resources and financial help. helpforfelons.org
City Club thanks our moderator, Garrett Andrews (Bend Bulletin Criminal Justice Reporter); panelists Crystal Mourlas Jaun (Dave’s Killer Bread Employee), Brian Dunning (science writer behind the award-winning Skeptoid podcast) and Jeff Pickens, Deschutes County Adult Parole & Probation; and forum presenting sponsor CHANGING PATTERNS for helping create this important conversation.
