2XChances

Fostering a Culture of Second Chances in Chattanooga

We are striving for a day when everyone from Chattanooga who is serving time in prison and their loved ones have access to the support and the resources that they need from their earliest encounter with the criminal justice system until they are free and clear of its adverse effects. #2XChances2023 #EmpowerChattanooga #CommunityBuilding

2XChances Campaign

2XChances is our perpetual campaign to empower Chattanooga area residents with knowledge about the criminal justice system, how it impacts the sense of place that we share as a community, and simple ways to foster a culture of second chances that improves well-being by reducing the barriers to community reengagement after prison.

Events and activities are scheduled throughout the year and aim to engage ordinary citizens in meaningful discussions about the community’s necessary role in cultivating an environment that is restorative through second chances. Join us in exploring the criminal justice system with people who have been directly affected by crime and corrections in Tennessee as well as with subject matter experts who are able to help make sense of the complexities of the criminal justice system for those who want to help. 

Each second chance represents a stepping-stone towards a stronger and more resilient society – one that embraces the inherent potential for growth and positive change in each and everyone. Join us for any or all of 2XChances.  For more information, contact Tim Dempsey at 423-902-6695.

2024 Highlights

In addition to the events highlighted below, we sponsor an annual billboard campaign in the spring, speak to high school and college classes, civic and service organizations, and houses of worship, and host both public and private conversations about second chances. If you have an idea to help us spread the word, please let us know. We’ll go just about anywhere and speak to just about anyone about second chances.

Employer Declaration
April 1
While all second chances matter to anyone who has made a mistake, we recognize that they create superabundant value where they are scarcest. Our Employer Declaration is a simple way for companies to indicate that they do not discriminate against candidates who are living in Chattanooga with the disability of a felony conviction.
Bledsoe Prison Tour
April 5
Most people’s understanding about prison is informed by the media that they consume -- which, most of the time, is far from the facts. If you're interested in dispelling the myths about prison by getting a closer look at what it’s actually like and hearing from people who live and work there, please consider joining us for a Prison Tour.
REFLECT Gallery Opening
August 23
REFLECT is a subject-artist collaborative project of acclaimed architectural photographer Trent Bell. The project spotlights people who have gone through life changing experiences and immerses viewers in their stories. Visit The Gallery at Mission Chattanooga through October 23 to explore Trent's evocative large-scale portraits from prison.
REFLECT Panel Discussion
October 12
Brandon Brown, once incarcerated for ten years, is now pursuing his doctorate in Restorative Justice at George Mason University. Join us as Brandon and REFLECT photographer Trent Bell discuss their collaboration in prison and how it can be extended to other projects that help to build inclusive communities for those impacted by prison.
Community Building Workshop
TBA
Community Building is a large group experience that fosters unusually frank conversations within diverse groups by cultivating an environment of extraordinary respect, safety, and trust. Workshops are open to the public and provide unique insight to the wounds that divide people and their communities.