Since 2017, April has been recognized as “Second Chance Month,” an opportunity to bring awareness to the barriers that keep those formerly impacted by our justice system from reentry into our society. Often, incarcerated individuals are released with no place to go and no hope. Kathy Kaufman understands that experience

“I came home to no husband, no cellphone, car, or job. My parents took me in.”

With a certification in Master Dog Training, which she earned while incarcerated, Kaufman secured employment with a groomer and now owns a kennel in Putnam County.

Later, Kaufman and her pastor, the Rev. Ruth Carter-Crist of the Gilboa/Pandora United Methodist Charge, launched Partners in Hope in Putnam County. This ministry focuses on supporting recently incarcerated individuals by covering fees and fines, helping obtain driver's licenses, finding job opportunities, arranging transportation and insurance, and assisting with the first month’s rent for housing. Partners offers hope for a new chapter in life.

“There are people in our congregations, sitting in pews, who are silently dealing with a family member who is incarcerated,” Kaufman said.

Although the ministry has received grants from the Ohio Department of Corrections, the West Ohio Conference (Go! Grant), and more, the need for ongoing support continues.

On April 23, Partners in Hope will host the Second Chance Gala at the Ottawa Brewing Company from 7 to 9 p.m. The purposes are to educate on the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction and to create second-chance opportunities for people who have completed their sentences.

“Returning citizens need hope,” Kaufman said. “Many are released with nothing and expected to find a job immediately. But they can’t do it without a driver’s license, transportation, and other basics.”

For more information about Second Chance Month, click here.