News  Spring Recognition Ceremonies kick off during "Second Chance Month" at Community Justice Support Centers

April is Second Chance Month, a nationally recognized celebration of fresh starts. It was introduced by the Bureau of Justice Assistance “to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for people returning from incarceration.”

Community Justice Support Centers statewide are hosting a series of recognition ceremonies this spring—April through June—to honor center participants who are working towards a fresh start in their lives.

April is Second Chance Month, a nationally recognized celebration of fresh starts. It was introduced by the Bureau of Justice Assistance “to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for people returning from incarceration.”

Recognition ceremonies at the center—operated under the auspices of the Massachusetts Probation Service and managed by the Old Colony YMCA—are held each year to acknowledge the achievements of participants including program completion, maintaining sobriety, earning the HiSET (GED) degree, and finding and maintaining employment. Support Center clients participate in treatment, education, career counseling, and case management support.

“The Recognition Ceremonies are the reason we work so hard for the people that come to the Support Center," said Vincent Lorenti, OCC Executive Director. "When people can return to their family and friends with a new sense of purpose in their life, their communities are safer and stronger. Nothing makes that impact clearer than seeing the tears of joy that are shed at these events."

Several centers have adopted a spring event theme symbolizing renewal and hope. Brockton’s celebration is titled: "Live Life in Full Bloom.”

Four “Signature Court” events will be held this year, featuring court and local leaders; these are marked with an asterisk in the list of recognition ceremony dates.

Recognition ceremonies

• April 8 - Worcester CJSC, 1-3 PM
• April 9 - Woburn CJSC, 1-3 PM
• April 14 - Framingham CJSC, 1-3 PM
• April 15 - Boston CJSC, 1-3 PM
• April 21- Springfield CJSC, 1:30-3:30 PM
• April 23 - Greenfield CJSC, 1-3 PM
• May 5 - Taunton CJSC, 1-3 PM
• May 6 - Quincy CJSC, 1-3 PM
• May 12 - Lowell CJSC, 1-3 PM
• May 13 - Brockton CJSC, 1-3 PM*
• May 14 - Lawrence CJSC, 1-3 PM*
• May 20 - Haverhill CJSC, 1-3 PM*
• May 27 - Dartmouth CJSC, 11 AM-1 PM*
• May 29 - Fitchburg CJSC, 1-3 PM
• June 3 - Barnstable CJSC, 1-3 PM
• June 4 - Northampton CJSC, 1-3 PM
• June 10 - Plymouth CJSC, 1-3 PM
• June 11 - Pittsfield CJSC, 12:30-2:30 PM