UPCOMING EVENTS & FREE COURSE SIGN UP

Below are upcoming events that will be hosted (or co-hosted) by us and/or our community partners throughout and outside or Georgia. ALL events are free and open to the public. 

With over half of our board composed of formerly incarcerated individuals, led by our formerly incarcerated founder, we are intentional in providing services and sharing our events and other community events that will equip, empower and restore those we serve (justice-involved Georgians who are impacted by an arrest, conviction or incarceration) and our families such as webinars, events and call to actions centered on addressiong issues such as the barriers to reentry, criminal justice reform legislative updates, employment and housing discrimination, voter education, voter disenfranchisement, expungements, financial wellness, digital literacy, leadership and much more! If you have a Georgia focused, non partisan event that you'd like us to share, email the info and related flyers to us at office@nlscoinc.org for us to review. 

To see past events, visit our YouTube page or our gallery. 

Please note that the voter education events and the community candidate forums that are either hosted by us, our partners or others are being hosted to educate and support you by connecting you with information, tools and  candidates so that you may be able to use the knowledge gained to make an informed decison at the polls. We are open to sharing any events that are free, open to the public and are NON partisan in nature that will educate, equip and restore the population we serve and the community as a whole. 

NEWLIFE-SECOND CHANCE IS A NON PARTISAN ORGANIZATION AND DO NOT ENDORSE OR SPONSOR ANY OF THE CANDIDATES THAT MAY BE PARTICIPATING IN ANY OF THE CANDIDATE FORUMS THAT ARE SHARED ON OUR PAGE.  THEREFORE, ANY INFO REGARDING CANDIDATE FORUMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE IS BEING SHARED AS A PART OF OUR NON-PARTISAN COMMITTMENT TO CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TO ENSURE THAT ALL GEORGIANS, NO MATTER THEIR PARTY AFFILIATION, ARE INFORMED OF EVENTS THAT ALLOW THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT AND ENGAGE WITH ALL CANDIDATES SEEKING TO REPRESENT THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES SO THEY CAN MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS AT THE POLLS. 

Got questions you'd like us to consider adding to our Columbus, GA Candidates Questionnaire? Click here to submit them by April 3rd by 4pm. 

Once all feedback is received by April 3, 2026, the questionnaire will be distributed to candidates by April 13, 2026 and they will have until April 30, 2026 to respond and complete the questionnaire. The goal is to have the form ready for distribution by May 14, 2026 to give constituents time to review it to make an informed decison at the polls on election day, May 19th. 

MARCH 2026

The following events are hosted by us, our community partners and other organizations throughout Georgia and other states that are free and open to the public. 

Please note that the voter education events and the community candidate forums that WE are hosting in partnership with our collaborative partners, Fair Count, VoteRiders and the HOAPE Coalition, are nonpartisan and serve one purpose....to educate citizens on informaton and resources they need to be an engaged and informed voter. Topics of discussion for our March 4th, 11th and 12th Columbus mayoral and city council candidate forums will focus on social justice issues that impact Columbus' most marginalized citizens and the city as a whole:

  • Reducing crime, recidivism and strengthening community safety
  • Criminal record friendly jobs & housing access
  • Fair and accountable policing
  • Addressing homelessness
  • Resolutions to end predatory & negligent housing
  • practices of landlords with noncompliant
  • & substandard housing (slum lords)
  • Taxes
  • More

Dislaimer: ALL Mayoral, City Council & School board incumbents & candidates were invited to participate in our forums.

April Events & Columbus, GA Candidate  Forums: Columbus, GA

Starting Sunday, April 5th!
Investing 101: Building Wealth Through Investing

Join us as we partner with Taking Charge Consulting, LLC. for a FREE 8 week virtual series aimed to empower collective investing for justice impacted people and others seeking to move from saving to investing and from poverty to building wealth! This beginner friendly series will give you the basic foundational info to get started investing in stocks, to build a budget friendly portfolio and to help you make your money work for you! The series will take place on the following Sundays at 4pm EST and may or may not be recorded. 

Disclaimer: This workshop series is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared is based on general knowledge, personal experience, and publicly available information and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. It is not being facilitated by a licensed financial advisor, broker, or investment professional. Nothing in this workshop constitutes a recommendation or endorsement of any specific investment strategy, security, or financial product. Participants are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any financial decisions. If you are considering investing, you should consult with a qualified and licensed financial professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual financial situation and goals. By registering and attending this workshop series, you acknowledge and agree that you understand this disclaimer and are solely responsible for your financial decisions and outcomes.  

4/2/26. 5:30p. School Board Candidates Talk Social Justice in Education.

Over 5 million children in the US have an incarcerated parent & 10 million who have experienced parental incarceration in their lifetime. Over 189,000 of these children are in Georgia! Driven by the trauma of separation, financial strain, and reduced parental involvement in school activities. studies show that parental incarceration severely impacts children's academic, behavioral and emotional school performance, poor peer relationships, increasing risks for low grades, grade retention, school exclusion (suspension/expulsion), higher dropout rates, subjected to being teased or bulied due to their parent's incarceration and have increased chances of contact with law enforcement and ultimately, the "school to prison pipeline". These behaviors are disproportionately higher in children whose MOTHER is the one incarcerated.  Affected children are 60% more likely to live in poverty and 20% more likely to be behind in school. 

Therefore, please join us as we engage with candidates for Muscogee County school board on social justice in education where topics of discussion will include the following: 

  • Equity, inclusivity, and addressing disparities among student populations to include closing achievement gaps, supporting special education, ensuring inclusive curricula, and enacting fair disciplinary policies.
  • Equitable district budget allocations
  • The School to prison pipeline
  • Supporting students with special needs, including autism and developmental disabilities
  • Strategies to ensure all students feel safe and supported.
  • Supporting students who experience trauma, including trauma as a result of parental separation due to incarceration.

4/7/26. 7p. Live on WTVM. Columbus, GA

WTVM is hosting and streaming live a Columbus Mayoral candidates forum. Closed to general public. Stream on WTVM website, app & WTVM on Roku

These events will be hosted by ColGay Pride,  The Courier Eco Latino, Davis Broadcasting and St. Paul AME. 

1. ColGay Pride's Equality for All Candidate Forums will allow you to hear directly from the candidates regarding issues impacting Columbus' LGBTQIA+ community such as lack of resources, jobs, and inclusive spaces, establishing long-term commitments like an LGBTQ+ liaison in the Mayor’s office, advancing long-stalled non-discrimination ordinances, improving Columbus’s failing HRC Municipal Equality Index score and building a diverse and welcoming city. 

📅 Forums Schedules: 

  1. Wednesday, April 08, 2026 – 3:00 PM: Mayor. 
  2. Wednesday, April 08, 2026 – 6:00 PM: City Council
  3. Thursday, April 09, 2026 – 3:00 PM: School Board
  4. Thursday, April 09, 2026 – 6:00 PM: Judiciary, Prosecutor, Sheriff, and Other Offices 

📍 The forums will be held virtually via Zoom, streamed live on Colgay Pride's Facebook Page, and shared across ColGay Pride's social media platforms.

2. On April 2nd, 9th & 16th at 6:30pm, the Courier Eco Latino will host 3 in person forums (that will also be lived stream on CCG TV) with candidates at the in City Council Chambers at the Citizen Services Center located at 311 Citizens Way (next to the Macon Rd. Library). 

3. On April 14th at 6:00pm, St. Paul AME Church will a candidates forum at 4900 St. Mary's Rd. 

2nd Chance Month Resource Fairs & Events

Supporting Georgians and families impacted by a criminal record and bringing awareness to teh communities in which we live.

April 4th. Noon. Atlanta, GA. City Hall. 2nd Fl 

he P.O.W.E.R. Conference (Positive Outreach Will Enhance Reentry) is designed to foster awareness, encourage collaboration, and advance practical solutions that strengthen reentry outcomes and promote public safety, equity, and community wellness. 

On April 4th, on the 2nd floor of City Hall, there will be a Reentry Simulation & Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS) Awareness event that will offer participants a firsthand look at the real-life obstacles faced by returning citizens as they navigate reentry after incarceration while also gaining critical insight into Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS) and its long-term effects on individuals, families, and communities.

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

April 9th. 10am. 
Columbus, GA
Frank Chester

All resources and employers are criminal record friendly. Although this event is free and open to the public, all vendors and employers will have services, programs and opportunities for people with criminal records. Therefore, please go out and connect with the vendors. We will have a table there so be sure to stop by our table. 

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! 

April 10th. 10am.
ATL. Auburn Ave.
RSVP by 3/27/26

RSVP by March 27th- FREE ATL Healing Retreat for Justice Impacted Women & Girls 17+ (no minors allowed).This Community-based Restorative & Healing Justice Retreat is for justice impacted women and girls ages (17+) who may have experienced, trauma, incarceration, substance use &/or domestic/ family violence to support them with health and wellness management as a result of these challenges. 

Location: Constellations Atlanta (near Auburn Ave. Library) 135 Auburn Ave. Ste 201 Atlanta, GA 30303

**Parking is free, ADA accessible and is in the lot next door to the venue

CLICK HERE BY MARCH 27th TO SAVE YOUR SEAT (or to donate)


 

 

April 25th. 
10a-2p. ATL. 
601 Thomas Cole Jr. Way.

All resources and employers are criminal record friendly. There will also be workshops to help attendees with creating a resume, answering legal questions, and much more! 

Stay tuned for registration link for this event

Click here to see a list of other ATL area 2nd Chance events hosted by the partners of the 2nd Chance Summit

FREE PORTAL RESOURCES, EDUCATION, COURSES, CERTIFICATES & 1 on 1 FINANCIAL COACHING

In our ongoing commitment to improve the financial well-being of justice impacted and formerly incarcerated communities we serve, we have officially partnered with First Step Alliance and KOFE: Knowledge of Financial Education to bring you access to FREE portal resources and education regarding money, housing, budgeting, credit, retirement, credit counseling, certificates of completion and learning modules, as well as a dedicated toll free hot-line to financial coaches. We hope to educate, motivate and empower you to achieve financial freedom by giving you the tools to refrain from overspending and encouraging you to save and invest.

The portal requires that you create an account and verify your email address before you can log in and access the resources. Therefore, be sure to click on the link within the validation email to get started (if you do not see it in your inbox or updates, check your junk/spam folder) 

Register to create an account by clicking the flyer, the button or by visiting https://firststepalliance.kofetime.com/register/. (please choose New Life Second Chance as the partner in the drop down menu) 

KOFE Course highights:

PAST EVENTS

Photos of all events hosted by us can be found on the Gallery's page. Videos can be found on our YouTube page.

Voter Education Lunch N Learn & Screenings

3/28/26. Fayetteville, GA

We'd like to thank everyone who joined us for our our Voter Education Lunch N Learn & Screenings in Fayetteville, GA to get valuable info on how to be more civically engaged, informed and empowered in your communities and at the polls! Special thanks to Merrill Chapel UMC and the ladies of the Sigma Omega Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for your partnership, to Down Home Southern Catering, LLC. for the delicious lunch and to Page Dukes and Waleisah Wilson-Menefee for permission to screen your short films, Until We All Count & Working in Captivity: A Woman's Quest to End Slavery in Georgia (respectively).

3/11/26- Columbus, GA City Council District 5 Candidate Talks Social & Criminal Justice

Thanks to everyone who came out to hear from city council district 5 candidate, Robert Watkins, to hear his vision for the district and the city, including social and criminal justice issues. The invitation was sent to the incumbent, but was declined. 

We'd also like to thank local district 7 candidate Becca Zajac for attending as well.

If you missed it, you can click here to watch the recording.

3/4/26. Columbus, GA City Council District 3 Candidates Talk Social & Criminal Justice

Thanks to everyone who attended our candidates forum to hear from Columbus city council District 3 candidates, Sherrie Aaron & Zack Lee to hear about issues candidates often fail to address: social and criminal justice issues. 

We'd also like to thank local mayoral candidates, Steve Kelly & Dr. Jaketra Bryant for attending as well as candidate for Lt. Governor, Richard Wright. 

If you missed it, you can click here to watch the recording.

You can click here to watch the WTVM News Leader 9 coverage. 

2/24/26- Justice Day Was Amazing!

Thanks to our board directors (Sharon G, Shanequa, Tabatha and Waleisah) and volunteers who attended Justice Day at the Capitol last week on February 24th in Atlanta. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table to connect and congrats to the 2 winners of our cash giveaway! From legislative and parole reform panels, to breakout sessions, networking, connecting with resources, participating in creative labs to going to the Capitol to connect with legislators, the event's theme "Joyful Resistance: A Day of Storytelling, Solidarity and Action" was truly realized. 

Special thanks to our volunteers and supporters, Bria, Tawanda and Terrameka for coming out to assist and support us and Waleisah's friend State Representative Teddy Reese for committing to stop by to speak to all in attendance. 

Past Community Reentry Resource Connections Webinars

NEW WEBINAR SERIES to introduce the community to organizations doing vital work to connect them to the resources, education and awareness they need to be healthy, whole and thriving individuals. Although free and open to the public, these session aim to connect justice impacted Georgians to critical resources they need to survive and thrive within their communities AND fosters collaboration between reentry service providers and 2nd chance employers in Georgia. To watch the recordings and get relevant links and resources, click on the flyer then click on "WATCH RECORDING" at the very bottom. Be sure to check out the resources in the video's description. 

9/11/25- Technical College System of Georgia

9/18/25- Resilience Education

9/25/25- GA Mental Health Consumer Network

Domestic Violence Month- 10/2/25 with Awaken Voices

Domestic Violence Month- 10/9/25 with Center at 909

Domestic Violence Month- 10/16/25 with Cherokee Family Violence Center

11/6/25- Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation

11/13/25- Feeding Georgia Families

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 9/27/25

Thanks to everyone who came out to learn more about our collective work to reform probation and parole in Georgia, to share your personal experiences "on paper" to help us gather critical feedback. Thanks to REFORM Alliance & All of Us or None- Atlanta Chapter for your partnership. $50 stipends and additional cash giveaways were made possible with funding from the HOAPE Coalition via the Heising-Simons Foundation.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 9/13/25

If you missed our presentation in Columbus on how to regain your right to vote as a person with a felony and to hear more about how you may be able to terminate your probation and parole early so you can vote, check out our mini Columbus voter resource guide on our Voter page here. Event activities were made possible with funding from the HOAPE Coalition via the Heising-Simons Foundation.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 9/13/25

If you missed our presentation in Columbus on how to restore your gun rights and to terminate your probation and parole early, get the resources on our advocacy page here. Event activities were made possible with funding from the HOAPE Coalition via the Heising-Simons Foundation.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/31/25

If you missed the 2nd Chance Criminal Record Friendly Job & Resource Fair, please be sure to like & follow our social media pages (Facebook & IG) for opportunities that the employers and resource providers had available. You can see photos and videos here. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/21/25

If you missed the introduction of First Step Alliance and their programs and to hear a little bit about our future partnership plans, you can watch the recording here.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/14/25

If you missed the session with Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Ramona Toole to hear about the process of getting your Fulton Co. record restricted, watch the recording here.   FYI: There was not a PM session on 7/17/25. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/12/25

If you missed our last excel/google sheets session to help you manage your personal or business finances, you can watch recording here. Watch recordings for sessions 2-7 here. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/8/25. 

If you missed Restore Georgia's July 8th Talk Justice Tuesday discussion on the Challenges of Reentry for People Forced to Register, you can click here to watch the recording.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/6/25. Columbus, GA. Sunday Worship & Lunch.

We partnered with rev. Adrian Chester and Greater Beallwood Baptist Church to support justice impacted and formerly incarcerated people and their families who have either been ejected from church or made to feel unwelcome do to them or a loved one having been arrested or incarcerated. After the 1 hour services, we provided a catered lunch to fellowship and connect our guests to the GBBC family.  

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/2/25. Columbus, GA. Formerly Incarcerated People & Families Lunch at Old Times Buffet.

We treated justice impacted, formerly incarcerated people and their families to lunch at Old Times Country Buffet to connect and fellowship. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 7/1/25. Columbus, GA. 3rd Annual Ballots & Bites.

In partnership with Fair Count and VoteRiders, we hosted our annual voter education and dinner fellowship to educated attendees on the importance of voting, key election dates and to give more info on the Public Service Commission and their very powerful role in deciding the rates of utilities, communications and more in Georgia.  

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.  7/1/25. Columbus, GA. 100% Criminal Record Friendly Job & Resource Fair.

With over 30 employers, resource providers and cash giveaways, this was one of our most successful job and resource fairs to date! Thanks to all of our partners who came out to share your opportunities, services and programs with those we serve but most importantly, we thank those who took the initiative to attend to get the info and resources they needed to grow, survive and thrive! See ya, next year!

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 5/18/25. Columbus, GA. Sunday Worship & FREE Lunch for Mothers with Incarcerated Children.

We partnered with Mind of Christ Ministries Intl for a special worship event to support mothers of currently (and formerly) incarcerated children who experienced an empty seat at the table this past Mother's Day and later treated the mothers and their families to dinner to connect them to Dr. Jaketra Bryant, a certified family therapist who works with families impacted by mass incarceration and the effects of carceral separation.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 4/29/25. 10am-12pm.
Second Chance Job & Resource Fair.  Hosted By the Metropolitan Career Center.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table to connect with us and hear about our services and the 2nd chance resources we share on our social media pages. We hope to see you soon and good luck in your job search!

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. April 26, 2025. 10a-2p. Columbus, GA. (non-conviction) Record Restriction Clinic. Co-hosting & Partnering with GA Legal Services & other Columbus Partners.

If you missed this event and have nonvictions on your criminal record from Muscogee County or other Georgia counties, and woul dlike to see how GLSP can possibly assist you with restricting your criminal record, contact them by visiting their website at www.glsp.org

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 4/23/25. Zoom. 6p. 
April 23, 2025. 6pm EST. Zoom. Lets Talk about Fibroids: The Injustice of Inaccessible Health & Feminine Care For Incarcerated Women.

If you missed our April 23rd discussion on the INjustices of Inaccessible Health and Feminine Care for Incarcerated Women (in partnership with the HOAPE Coalition) you can watch the recording on our YouTube page here. Be sure to like, subscribe and watch our other helpful videos while there.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 4/17/25. Zoom. 6p. 
Protecting & Preparing: Demonstrating Love Through Life Insurance, Wills & Child Safety Kits

If you missed our conversation with American Income Life's Insurance agent Renee Turnipseed, about AIL's life insurance plans and free products such as wills and child safety kits (free with no plan purchase required), you can watch the recording on our YouTube page here. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. April 16, 2025. 8am-3pm. Augusta, GA.
Second Chance Conference hosted by our partners at ReNForce. 

If you missed this event in Augusta and would like to connect with ReNforce and their reentry partners and service providers in the Augusta area, visit their website at www.renforce.org to contact them.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 4/8/25. Zoom. 6p. 
2nd Chance Housing: Securing Housing with a Criminal Record &/or Eviction

If you missed our conversation with Licensed Real Estate Agent, Markisha Foster, about how she can help you obtain housing with a criminal record or an eviction, you can watch the recording on our YouTube page here. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 4/8/25. Zoom. 6p. 
Avoiding Burnout, Surviving Triumph. Hosted by the Justice Reform Partnership.

If you missed JRP's April 8th event that discusses ways advocates and activists can remain healthy, whole and committed to protecting our wellbeing so we can remain effective, watch the YouTube recording here.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. 3/11/25. Zoom. 6p. Post Crossover Review. Hosted by the Justice Reform Partnership.

If you missed JRP's March 11th event that gave an overview of what bills crossed over on cross over day and may become law, you can watch the recording here. 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED. Classes start March 8th. FREE Paid Digital Literacy Course. Decatur, GA. 

In partnership with the the William Chapel-William C. Brown Library of the Dekalb Co. Library System, we launched a PAID digital literacy training to support justice involved Georgians with digital literacy. To learn more about the program, requirements and to apply, click here. 

*Stipends for this program are provided with support of grant funding received from Heising-Simons and A New Way of Life in partnership with the HOAPE Coalition.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.

2/25/25. Justice Day at the Capitol. Atlanta. 

If you missed this year's Justice Day  to connect with justice reform advocates, hear informative panels, attend engaging workshops, learn about pending good and bad laws or go to the capitol to speak with your legislator, you can watch the recap on YouTube here and you can access all of the slides and handouts (including ours on advocating for an incarcerated loved one's care and safety) at justicereformpartnership.org/justicedayresources. To see photos from the event, visit the gallery.

 

 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.

2/18/25. 6p. Zoom. Recap of the 2/13/25 Record Restriction Clinic Townhall & Informational. 

No recording available. If you have questions about record restricting your NON convictions out of Muscogee Co,, contact the Columbus office of Georgia Legal Services Program located at 233 12th Street, Suite 910, Columbus, GA 31902. Phone: 706 649-7493. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.
2/11/25. 6p-8p. EST. Zoom. Talk Justice Tuesday "Caught In-Between: Youth and the Criminalization of Immigration". Hosted by Justice Reform Partnership.

On Feb. 11, 2025, the Justice Reform Partnership hosted a virtual webinar featuring criminal, juvenile, and immigration legal advocates where they discussed current threats of deportation and crack downs on immigration. You can watch the recording here.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.
November 18, 2024. 7:30pm EST. Virtual. 
Our Founder was Expert Panelist 

Our founder, Waleisah Wilson-Menefee, was one of the expert panelists on Restorative Action Alliance's webinar "Reimagining Belonging: A Panel Discussion on Restorative Practices in the Faith Community" that delved into how the spiritual and faith communities respond to individuals affected by the criminal legal system, particularly those on sexual conviction registries. 

The virtual discussion covered topics such as inclusivity, the varying treatments within congregations, and the barriers and reentry challenges faced by people returning home from incarceration with attending worship services (i.e. being asked to not attend or return, conducting background checks on visitors, denying people on the registry from attending a loved one's funeral or their own wedding if it is being held at a place of worship, etc.) with the goal of exploring how faith communities can respond thoughtfully and compassionately to individuals impacted by the criminal legal system, including those convicted of sex charges.  

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. No recording available.
November 14, 2024. 6pm EST. Virtual Screening & Discussion. 

We welcomed Tabatha Trammell, a nonprofit founder, justice reform advocate, prison doula, filmmaker and one our board of directors, for "Best Practices to Achieve Post-Incarceration Success with a Mental Illness or Living with a Substance Use Disorder,  a virtual screening & discussion where we screened her new short documentary, "Mama, I'm Different" (an intimate story about the effects of undiagnosed mental illness at the intersection of—and compounded by—addiction and criminalization) and listened as she discussed her challenges and success as a formerly incarcerated woman living with a mental illness and in long term recovery and best practices and tips on how to be successful after incarceration while living and thriving with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.
November 2, 2024. Columbus, GA. Canvassing with Fair Count to Get Out the Vote for the Nov. 5th Election

In partnership with Fair Count, on 11/2/24 in Columbus, GA, our Board Director, Andrea, led our team of canvassers on another very productive GOTV door to door canvassing effort to make sure Muscogee County residents make it to the polls on Nov. 5th.

Special thanks to Fair Count for their partnership and for supporting our GOTV work through their mini grant funding. 

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.
October 26, 2024. Columbus, GA. Canvassing with Fair Count

In partnership with Fair Count, on 10/26/24 in Columbus, GA, our Board Director, Andrea, led our team of canvassers on another very productive GOTV door to door canvassing effort to make sure Muscogee County residents get their civic voices heard by reminding them to vote early or make it to the polls on Nov. 5th.

Special thanks to Fair Count for their partnership and for supporting our GOTV work through their mini grant funding. #hoape4ga

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.
October 26, 2024. Atlanta, GA. Tabled at the Vote in My Honor Rally 

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, board directors Shanequa and Sharon G and our canvassing team, tabled at the Vote in My Honor Rally to connect with citizens to get out the vote. The event was hosted by the Rights Restoration Coalition of Georgia and dedicated to discussing the restoration of voting rights for justice impacted individuals in our community and encouraging those that can vote to vote in their honor! #hoape4ga

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.
October 19, 2024. Columbus, GA. Canvassing with Fair Count

In partnership with Fair Count, on 10/19/24 in Columbus, GA, our Board Director, Irma, led our team of canvassers on a very productive GOTV outreach effort where they knocked on over 125 doors and engaged with Muscogee County residents, encouraging them to make it to the polls to cast their vote by Nov. 5th.

Special thanks to Fair Count for their partnership and supporting our work through their mini grant funding. #hoape4ga

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.
October 17, 2024. Hapeville, GA. 6pm-8pm. Mother's Healing & Restorative Justice Dinner. Invitation only.

In partnership with the Southern Center for Human Rights, Georgia Justice Project, Women on the Rise and Woman With a Plan, on October 17, 2024 from 6p-8pm, we hosted a "Mother's Circle" for formerly incarcerated (or pregnant) mothers and caregivers to introduce attendees to restorative justice, restorative justice circles and how they can beneficial in healing and restoring relationships between them and their children or nurture those that have been repaired.

The restorative dialogue was facilitated by Dr. Spencer Murray and discussion topics included shared challenges and traumas of being separated from their children, interventions of the foster care system, the challenges (and successes) of reunification, the journey of rebuilding the maternal bond after release and next steps.

Catering was provided by Down Home Southern Catering, LLC.

 

 

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. September 27, 2024. Columbus, GA. 6pm-8pm. Tabling at Recovery on the River Community Resource Fair.

We are proud to have been a sponsor or New Horizons Behavioral Health's Recovery on the River Community Resource Fair that was scheduled for 9/27/24 but unfortunately due to the weather from Hurricane Helene, the event has been cancelled. No rescheduled day has been set.  

September 22, 2024. Atlanta, GA. 2pm-4pm. Our founder's film screening hosted by EMI Georgia. THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.

September 22, 2024. 2p-4p. Atlanta, GA. Screening & Discussion. Hosted by End Mass Incarceration GA Network. On Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 2p-4p, EMI GA Network hosted a FREE in-person screening and discussion of our founder, Waleisah's film "Working in Captivity: A Woman's Quest to End Slavery in Georgia" who is also the lead of the GA chapter of All of Us or None that is currently campaigning to demand that Georgia change its current law that legalizes slavery for people who are convicted of a crime via incarceration and/or probation. 

This event has passed. Our founder moderated New Disabled South's panel about Disability, Reentry and Voter Disenfranchisement in the South.

On September 10, 2024, New Disabled South & New Disabled South Rising hosted "Criminalization of Disability: The Reality of Re-entry and Voter Disenfranchisement in the South". This 1 hour discussion feature info on the programs (or lack thereof) for formerly incarcerated disabled folks and the campaigns that work to return the right to vote to those who were formerly incarcerated. 

Waleisah spoke about her personal challenges as a disabled voter, a black voter AND as a formerly incarcerated voter and will moderate the discussion with a panel of voter rights advocates,  which included our HOAPE Coalition ally, Page Dukes. 

In case you missed it, you can watch the Facebook live stream at https://www.facebook.com/NewDisabledSouth/videos/832661872378541

This event has passed.  Our founder was a guest panel expert at NACDL's 23rd Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference. 

In her role as board chair of Restore Georgia, a Georgia nonprofit that serves as a collective voice to advocate for Georgians impacted by the state's sex registry, our founder, Waleisah Wilson-Menefee, spoke on the "Reframing the Discourse: Shifting Perspectives in Sex Offense Policy and Legislation" panel where they discussed the critical issues in criminal justice reform pertaining to sex offenses and delved into the complexities, controversies, and recent developments in this vital area of reform.

In case you missed it, you can watch her Facebook live stream here. We are always proud of our founder's bold leadership, her tell it like it is approach and he ALL inclusive advocacy style. Thank you Waleisah for your advocacy and willingness to stand up against injustice and oppression of ALL people!

Thanks to all who attended and supported our July 2024 #GAReentryAwareness Month events. You can see video recaps here.

July 20, 2024. Atlanta. Free Dinner & Fellowship for Justice-Impacted & Formerly Incarcerated People & Families. You can watch the video recap here. 

Congrats to Sandra T. for winning 1st prize ($150) in the arts contest & to Porshia for winning $25 for best button!

The purpose of this annual event is to emphasize the importance of formerly incarcerated people being in community with others with shared, lived experiences who have been successful in their own reentry! Peer mentorship is critical inside of jails and prisons and one released and has many benefits that include: 

1. Being a part of positive social networks prevent recidivism 

2. Being a part of positive social networks puts one in close proximity of positive role models that can also offer support in many areas

Activities included:

Catering was provided by Down Home Southern Catering, LLC. (a justice-impacted caterer)

This event was sponsored by the Cabbagetown Initiative, the Heising-Simons Foundation, A New Way of Life Reentry Project, Restore Georgia, Taking Charge Consulting, LLC., Pro Med Consulting, LLC, Beauty & Body by Egypt & Elysium Consulting, LLC. and was in partnership with the HOAPE Coalition and Page Dukes.

July 1, 2024. Ballots & Bites (Voter Education & Dinner). Columbus. 4pm-7pm. You can watch the video recap here.

Our #GAReentryAwarenessMonth2024 kickoff voter education event in Columbus, GA on July 1st was a success! Thanks to all who came out to hear about the great work we and our partners Fair Count & VoteRiders do to educate and keep citizens civically engaged, especially those with a felony who didn't know that they could vote (as long as they are not on paper). Special thanks to our board members Andrea & Kelton for attending, to KJB Designs for decorating the space, to our sponsors Heising-Simons Foundation, A New Way of Life and Pro Med Consulting, LLC. and to Down Home Southern Catering, LLC. for catering the event and to the HOAPE coalition for your partnership.

Just a reminder that the last day to register to vote in the General Election is October 7th, early voting runs from Tuesday, October 15th through Friday, November 1st and election Day is Tuesday, November 5th.

- To learn more about voting with a felony in GA, visit click here and  www.nlscoinc.org/voting and register to attend our July 30th virtual event "Voting with a Felony in GA: Reclaim Your Vote" here.

- Visit www.vote-365.org to learn more about elections

- Visit www.faircount.org/events for ways to get involved

- If you need a voter ID, and ID, birth certificate, marriage or divorce decree to support you in your effort to vote, visit www.voteriders.org.

April, 10, 2024. 3pm. Columbus, GA
 Goodwill Career Center 
(Bldg. B, rooms 2 & 3) 
2601 Cross Country Drive 

We partnered with the Columbus Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Fair Count, Vote Riders and GA Equality;s TransAction GA to share info with attendees about redistricting, absentee and provisional ballots, new voter laws and procedures in Columbus and in the state, voting with a criminal conviction, early termination of probation, voting as a trans Georgian and more that equipped attendees with becoming a more informed voter. 

July 30, 2024. Virtual. Reclaim Your Vote: Voting with a Felony in Georgia & Early Probation Termination . This event has passed. You can watch the recording here. Georgia Justice Project gave info on:

  • who can and can’t vote in Georgia
  • why you should vote
  • how you may be able to vote in Georgia with a felony
  • what to do if you are on probation
  • what to do if you owe fines, fees and/or restitution
  • how to vote if you are in jail
  • hear about how you may be able to terminate your probation early
  • how to get a pardon
  • how to request a certificate of sentence completion

This event was in partnership with Georgia Justice Project and the HOAPE Coalition.

July 17, 2024. VIRTUAL. 4pm EST. Challenges of Reentry for Special Populations. You can watch the recording here.

This virtual panel discussion addressed the inequities in accessing resources for formerly incarcerated people who are:

  • Older
  • Trans
  • Living with a Mental Illness or Substance Dependency
  • Impacted by the Sex Off***er Registry

Guest presenters:

- Chanel Haley, Director of Education & Community Engagement at Georgia Equality's TransAction GA

- Shanequa Bonvillain, Street Medicine Case Manager at Mercy Care & a Child of Formerly Incarcerated Parent

- Denny Chan, Managing Director of Equity Advocacy at Justice in Aging

- Tabatha Trammell, Founder of a Woman With a Plan

- Pete Profiteer, Board Director of Restore Georgia & serial tech entrepreneur 

This is event was sponsored by:

NARSOL 2024 Conference speakers announced! Our founder is the Sunday (June 23rd) keynote! 

Our founder and Board President, Waleisah Wilson, was one of the key note speakers at this year's NARSOL (Nat'l Association for Rational Sex Offense Laws) conference. Her speech "Where's the Mercy: Balancing Justice & Common Sense" engaged the thoughts of those in attendance of topics such as grace, mercy, forgiveness and common sense when engaging with, providing services to and integrating with men, women and children living on the sex off***er registry and addressing the barbaric, oppressive and counterproductive laws and policies that cause more harm to communities than keep us safe. 

The conference was sold out! You can read the summary wrap up here.

Planning for next year’s conference is already underway. It will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 26-29, 2025. You can register with the Super Early Bird Registration price by clicking here.

April, 4, 2024. 9a-1pm. Columbus, GA
 
Day reporting Center
334 2nd Avenue

Board member Andez tabled at this event to share our services and  educated attendees who were on & off probation of their possible right to vote in Georgia. 

July 24, 2024. Decatur. 6pm. Reentry & Education. 

To address the disparity of access to education for people impacted by the criminal legal system and/or returning home from incarceration & the role access to education plays to a successful reentry, NewLife-Second Chance Outreach, Inc. partnered with the DeKalb Co. Library for a focus group and discussion on: 

  1. Education & literacy (reading ability)
  2. Digital Equity (computer & technology skills)
  3. Financial Literacy & Wellness (access to banking and budgeting tools)
  4. Voter Education

Dinner was provided and there were cash giveaways.

This event was sponsored by the Dekalb Co. Library System, the Heising-Simons Foundation, A New Way of Life Reentry Project, Restore Georgia, Taking Charge Consulting, LLC., Pro Med Consulting, LLC, Beauty & Body by Egypt & Elysium Consulting, LLC. and was in partnership with the HOAPE Coalition.

July 5, 2024- Grocery Giveaway, Douglasville, GA. 5pm-6pm. In partnership with Blessings Working Together for their First Friday Grocery Giveaway, we gave away groceries AND cash gift cards to 10 justice-involved or formerly incarcerated individuals or heads of households. 

While waiting 1-2.5 hrs in line to start "shopping", NL-SCO, Inc. volunteers and board members informed them of their voter rights, informed them that Georgians with felonies can vote as long as the were not on probation and parole and gave them instructions and resources on how to check their voter status, their polling location and to register online. They engaged with over 150 people during that time. 

Special thanks to our board members, Waleisah & Shanequa, and to our volunteers, Meeko & Mr. Coffee for your commitment to give freely on this day to travel over an hour to make our portion of the event happen for those we serve. From traveling to shopping and assembling bags to unloading, distributing bags and engaging with voters, you all are very appreciated. 

This event was sponsored by Pro Med Consulting, LLC. & Kroger. 

You can see a video recap of the event here.

June 15, 2024. 10a-2pm. Atlanta (Mechanicsville). Board members, Waleisah, Chay and Shanequa tabled at New Georgia Project's F.I.R.E. event on Saturday, June 15th, in Mechanicsville to provide voter education and voting restoration info to formerly incarcerated community members. In addition to voter education, they gave info on voter disenfranchisement, facts to clear up the myth that a felony or fines, fees or restitution keeps you from voting in GA and gave info on how to cancel a voter registration to those on parole or felony probation who had previously registered to vote. #VoterEducation #RestoreTheVote

April 1, 2024. 8pm EST. 
  In case you missed our founder's April 8th's Impostrix Podcast appearance (S2E10) "Building a Career After Incarceration" where she discussed how she navigated barriers to reentry (including imposter syndrome), her career journey, starting 2 businesses after her release from prison and her work as a criminal justice reform activist and agitator. 

Click to listen to the podcast 

Click to watch on YouTube

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.