Second Chance Tucson is a coalition of non-profit, faith-based, governmental, law enforcement agencies, and employers inspired by former Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and US Magistrate Judge Charles Pyle. It began as an idea the Mayor and Judge had to hold a reentry forum in 2014 to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Second Chance Act - federal legislation that funds reentry programs - and has grown from there. Our focus is on reducing recidivism and increasing community awareness about reentry, with an emphasis on employment. We do this through a combination of community education, volunteerism and employment outreach

At Second Chance Tucson, we believe in the power of transformation and the critical role our community plays in giving people the opportunity to succeed after incarceration. We collaborate across sectors to reduce recidivism and support the reentry process through education, volunteerism, and employment outreach. Each year, countless individuals face immense challenges as they transition back into society. Reentry work like ours provides the tools and resources to help returning citizens reconnect with their families, find employment, and become productive members of our community. This work isn’t just about giving individuals a genuine fresh start—it’s also about creating a stronger Tucson for us all!

Annual Reentry Forums
At Second Chance Tucson (SCT), we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Our Annual Reentry Forums bring together community members, local leaders, employers, and justice-involved individuals to address the challenges of reentry and celebrate stories of success. These forums highlight critical topics such as housing, employment, mental health, and trauma-informed care, all of which are vital for a successful transition back into the community. With keynote speakers, panel discussions, and personal success stories, the forums aim to reduce stigma and promote community connections that support second chances. By fostering open conversations, our forums help to educate the public, inspire change, and create pathways to meaningful opportunities for those reentering society. Whether in-person or virtual, these events are designed to spark understanding and collaboration across Tucson to build safer, stronger communities for everyone.

Job Fairs & Employment Workshops
Second Chance Tucson organizes Job Fairs and Employment Workshops to support individuals with prior convictions in finding meaningful work and building stable futures. These events provide participants with access to employers open to second chances, along with resources such as resume-building and interview preparation. Employers benefit from connecting with skilled, motivated candidates supported by reentry services to ensure successful transitions. Through these initiatives, Second Chance Tucson helps reduce stigma, promotes economic stability, and strengthens community connections.

Speakers Bureau
The Second Chance Tucson (SCT) Speakers Bureau is a community initiative that empowers formerly incarcerated individuals to share their personal stories, raising awareness about the challenges of reentry and combating the stigma surrounding criminal convictions. The Speakers Bureau aims to foster empathy and understanding by offering presentations in various community settings, including professional organizations, faith-based groups, and prisons. These presentations focus on topics such as overcoming reentry barriers, the importance of employment and housing, and the societal costs of mass incarceration.
With a focus on authentic storytelling, the Speakers Bureau includes speakers with lived experiences of incarceration, providing a powerful and credible perspective. SCT compensates these speakers for their time and expertise to acknowledge the value of their insights. By addressing diverse audiences, SCT seeks to build bridges between justice-involved individuals and the wider community, promoting restorative justice and encouraging more inclusive opportunities

Second Chance Tucson Inc

Rooted in Second Chances