NC Second Chance Alliance

Restoring Opportunities. Strengthening Families & Communities.

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🚨 CALLING ALL ADVOCATES: Second Chance Advocacy Day is May 6, 2025! 🚨

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We’re turning up the volume for justice and second chances in Raleigh, NC on Tuesday, May 6, 2025—and we want YOU with us.

Formerly known as Second Chance Lobby Day, this powerful day of action is now Second Chance Advocacy Day—a time for returning citizens, families, allies, and advocates from across North Carolina to come together, raise our voices, and meet directly with state lawmakers.

Why This Day Matters

Second Chance Advocacy Day is more than just an event—it’s a movement. It’s about showing up at the NC General Assembly to share our stories, stand in solidarity, and push for policies that remove barriers for people with criminal records.

We believe that everyone deserves a real second chance—and that our communities are safer and stronger when we all have the opportunity to care for ourselves and our loved ones.

What’s Happening on May 6:

✅ Meet directly with lawmakers – Share your story, your truth, and your vision for a more just North Carolina
✅ Advocate for change – Speak up for legislation that helps break down barriers to employment, housing, and opportunity
✅ Stand with returning citizens & allies – Show lawmakers the power of collective voices working for justice

What We’re Fighting For:

  • Expanding Criminal Record Relief (like Expunctions & Certificates of Relief)
  • Ending the harmful use of mugshots
  • Stopping debt-based driver’s license suspensions

Register Today

We need everyone to register by April 15, 2025 so we can plan transportation and make sure buses leave from the right cities.

đź“Ť Where: NC General Assembly, Raleigh, NC
đź“… When: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
đź”— Register now: https://bit.ly/2025NCSCAAdvocacyDay

Scan the QR code on the flyer or use the link above to sign up and reserve your spot!

Let’s Make Our Voices Heard

This is our time to show North Carolina that we are united, powerful, and committed to building a state that believes in second chances.

Don’t miss it—register today, bring a friend, and be part of the change.

#IAMFORSECONDCHANCES
#SecondChanceAdvocacyDay
#CriminalJusticeReform
#NCSecondChanceAlliance
#AdvocacyMatters
#RegisterByApril15

Janay

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My name is Janay Baldwin and I am a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina’s School of Social Work. I chose the field of social work because I have experienced first hand the struggle that life may bring after one has been convicted of a criminal offense. As a social worker, I have the ability to touch the lives of thousands of people by sharing my story and maybe assisting others as they began to create their own.

My story is as follows: In December of 2006, I was employed at Lowe’s Home Improvement. I was 17-years old at the time that I discovered a Lowe’s credit card in a shopping cart. Instead of doing the right thing, I foolishly used the card a few days later to purchase a few house hold items. In February of 2007, I was charged with a Felony Larceny by Employee. I went to court for an entire year. By the time I had turned 19, my mistake had taken a permanent place in my life. On January 9, 2008, I was convicted of a Misdemeanor Larceny with a Prayer for Judgment.

This charge alone, was the reason I would get hired by various excellent employers, but then denied a start date due to my criminal background.

As a single mother of one, I was caught in the struggle of life. I worked dead end jobs to make ends meet. I was committed to turning my life around by getting involved in church, volunteering in the community, and going back to school to pursue a higher education. Still, it seemed as though my efforts to right my wrong went unnoticed.

Now as a social worker, I use this story to relate to other troubled youth so that they may see that anyone can learn from their mistakes and live a better life than that which includes trouble. I am now a mature, grown individual with great integrity and wisdom. I am in pursuit of a Master’s in Social Work to continue to learn, make a difference, and give back. I am confident that those who truly desire to change their lives can do the same with support from the community and a second chance in society.