Re-Entry for Second Chance Month
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-“A lot of times men and women do not understand the social services that are available on the outside,” said Re-Entry supervisor Wendy Harris.
April is Second Chance Month and focuses on prevention, re-entry, and social support opportunities for those incarcerated.
“We want to make sure that people are able to provide for themselves. They should be able to have food, clothing. They should be able to raise their children,” said Harris.
John Tingle said he has been incarcerated for 6 month due to a high speed pursuit in Soddy Daisy.
“I just hope I make it, I hope I make it through here,” said Tingle.
Now tomorrow is his release date and he is using the Silverdale resource fair to help him build contacts. To help him stay on the right side of the law in the future.
“Getting my life straight. Staying on the right track. Utilizing everything they’re offering here to get my life together,” said Tingle.
Tingle said he’s happy to have a job, after he is released tomorrow, and is thankful to be able to build contacts through the resource fair.
“It’s great to be able to get out of here, have a job and know when you’re getting out you already have a job. You don’t have to go look for one that’s definitely a big benefit,” said Tingle.
“You want productive citizens. Productive citizens are good for everyone, they’re good for the tax dollars. It cost a lot of money to have people in a facility like this. We would like people to go out and be able to make a living, to contribute back to society,” said Harris
