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.
2XChances Campaign
If you employ people in Hamilton County and believe in second chances, we invite you to add your company, organization, institution, or agency to our Second Chance Employer Declaration. The only requirement is that you hire in the area and that you agree with the declaration below. If you would like to do more, please get in touch with us to find out about some simple and straightforward ways to promote second chances at your place of work.
Employer Declaration
A Commitment to Community and Economic Prosperity
We, the undersigned, firmly believe that second chances are integral not just to individual success but to the health and vitality of the entire Chattanooga community. These opportunities are the lifeline that keeps hope alive for those with limited resources and marginalized opportunities. They enable individuals to learn from their past, reach their full potential, and foster goodwill within the community. Moreover, second chances are the bedrock upon which a sense of belonging and inclusion is built—a foundation that should extend to every member of our society, regardless of their past.
We recognize that second chances are most valuable where they are scarcest. This is especially true for individuals in Chattanooga who bear the additional burden of a felony conviction. For these individuals, a second chance can be transformative, opening doors to meaningful employment, the ability to support their families, and the opportunity to invest in the community that once felt out of reach. Their success, in turn, contributes to the overall prosperity and social cohesion of Chattanooga, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Our commitment to second chances is unwavering. While we do not artificially prioritize employees or candidates with felony convictions, we are equally committed to ensuring that our hiring practices are inclusive and nondiscriminatory. We stand by a culture of opportunity—one that is genuinely available to all, including those who have served time and are now ready to contribute positively to our society.
We are proud to join the ranks of Chattanooga’s second-chance employers, celebrating the resilience and determination of those who have found a new beginning here. We also applaud the employers and community leaders who make these opportunities possible. Together, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce, strengthen our economy, and build a community where everyone has a chance to succeed.
Our call to action is simple: let us continue to support and expand these efforts, ensuring that Chattanooga remains a place where second chances are not just available but are embraced as a key to our collective success. By doing so, we reaffirm our belief that every individual, regardless of their past, has the potential to contribute meaningfully to our shared future.
- If you would like to speak with someone about our 2xChances Campaign, please call Tim Dempsey at (423) 266-1888.
