![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/%2811-18-08%29%20Seward-HS-050.jpg?itok=JIw55FSU)
Seward Marks Second Chance Month
Jeff Bishop, Communications Director
April 19, 2018
-
ISSUE:
- Second Chance
- Public Safety
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/web_4.jpg?itok=hHANbmaP)
COOPERSTOWN, 04/19/18 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref – Oneonta) today presented Jail Ministry of Otsego County Executive Director Ameen Aswad with a special New York State Senate Proclamation commemorating Second Chance Month.
“Once individuals have paid their debt to society, they will be returning to our communities and we all have a stake in their successful reintegration,” said Senator Seward. “Second Chance Month is an opportunity to recognize and support those who want to make an honest effort at a new life.”
Second Chance Month is a national movement organized by Prison Fellowship designed to bring awareness to the stigma and barriers those coming out of prison or jail face.
Jail Ministry of Otsego County Executive Director Ameen Aswad said, “Second Chance Month sends a positive message to inmates and the public alike. We need to break down the barriers to reintegration that exist as individuals rejoin the community and fostering awareness is a key step. I applaud Senator Seward’s support and recognition of Second Chance Month.”
Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. and Otsego County Director of Community Services Susan Matt also took part in the presentation.
Senator Seward commended both Devlin and Matt and others who take part in the rehabilitation and reintegration process.
“Your work reduces the rate of recidivism elevating public safety and helps ensure that individuals who want to turn their lives around leave jail with a new sense of purpose, a strong support system, and the skills to be productive members of society,” Seward concluded.
-30-
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to NewsroomSeward Calls for Crackdown on Drug Related Arson
March 8, 2018
![Senator Seward discusses new legislation to increase criminal penalties for individuals who cause a fire or explosion while manufacturing illegal drugs at a press conference at the Homer Fire Department. From left, Cortland County Sheriff's Department Captain Robert Derksen, Cortland County District Attorney Patrick Perfetti, Homer Police Chief Robert Pitman, Senator James L. Seward, Homer Fire Chief Mahlon Irish, former Homer Fire Chief Bob Johnson.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/seward_-_homer_-_03-08-18.jpg?itok=MCgYwt3n)
Senate Adopts Comprehensive School Safety Package
March 5, 2018
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/01-08-18_500-03-204_0.jpg?itok=kGeFBPoJ)
Seward Delivers Infrastructure Improvement Funds to Schoharie County
February 26, 2018
![Officials tour Hoober Feeds in Central Bridge following a $200,000 state grant announcement. From left, Town of Schoharie Supervisor Chris Tague, Senator James Seward, Hoober Feeds Partner-Owner Tom Nauman.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/hoober_feeds_2_-_02-26-18.jpg?itok=Psz6dwVO)