![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 Secures $150k for Cortland YMCA
September 27, 2017
![Senator Seward announces a $150,00 state grant he secured to fund capital improvements at the Cortland YMCA. Senator Seward is joined by YMCA of Cortland Executive Director David Hamilton for the announcement.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/ymca_1.jpg?itok=UYstlF3y)
Seward: Showcasing Oneonta's History Will Lead to Prosperous Future
September 22, 2017
![Senator Seward announces a $250,000 state grant to fund renovation and restoration work at the Oneonta History Center. From left, Greater Oneonta Historical Society Executive Director Bob Brzozowski, Greater Oneonta Historical Society Board Chairman Corinne Bresee Smith, Senator Seward.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/history_center_web.jpg?itok=GjwsFRsa)
Seward Drives $250k to Key Farm Safety Program
September 13, 2017
![Senator Seward (center) announces $250,000 in state funding to help support the New York Rollover Protection System (ROPS) Rebate Program. Standing behind Senator Seward from left to right are ROPS Rebate Program Hotline Coordinator Rebecca Russell and New York Farm Bureau Region 8 Field Advisor Todd Heyn.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/1_1.jpg?itok=uk1FGGOU)