In 2024, The GEO Group celebrated and recognized National Second Chance month with various programs and events. Second Chance Month highlights the importance of recognizing individuals, communities, and agencies for their role in supporting the safe and successful reentry of justice impacted individuals. GEO celebrated the importance of transforming lives by kicking off the month with the second Annual Second Chance Brunch.
Community Partners, Second Chance Employers, GEO Alumni, and GEO staff gathered at the company headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, to honor Second Chance Month with our second annual brunch. Senior Vice President of GEO Secure Services, James Black; Executive Vice President of GEO Reentry and Continuum of Care, Derrick Schofield; Divisional Vice President of Continuum of Care, David Burch; and Senior Director of Programs, Angela Geisinger, each shared their personal commitment to supporting second chances through servant leadership.
Oswald Newbold, a GEO Alumni member, welcomed keynote speaker Frank Murphy, who shared his very personal and truly inspiring story. Murphy is a former NFL star, author, and philanthropist. Frank was not the only second chance story of the day; GEO Alumni from across the country shared their experiences during a second chance panel series hosted by Tim O’Boyle, Manager of Alumni Services.
Several awards were presented at the event, including, Continuum of Care (CoC) Facility of the Year (Lea County Correctional Facility), CoC Alumni of the year (Dakota Jones), CoC Post- Release Case Manager of the Year (Amlak-I Foley), CoC Instructor of the Year (Yvonne Turner), CoC Transition Case Manager of the Year (Natoshi Jones), CoC Program Director of the Year (Kevin Shields), Lifetime Achievement Award (Arthur Townes), and Second Chance Employment Partner of the Year (Gayle Harrell/Another Chance Community Development). Additionally, Reentry Community Partners, Timothy’s Gift and Skill Builders Solutions, were also recognized with GEO Game Changer Awards.
GEO’s celebration of Second Chance Month was impactful, reflective, and full of engagement. As the world leader in rehabilitation and post release services, GEO will continue to support second chance initiatives.
Beyond Second Chance Month, GEO is continually striving to make a difference every day through:
Policy Reforms: Policies create more promising environments for individuals impacted by the Criminal Justice System. This includes revising hiring practices to be more inclusive. The GEO Group is proud to be a second chance employer.
Partnerships with Local Organizations through Post-Release Services: By collaborating with housing providers, employers, faith-based groups, mental health treatment providers and community organizations, GEO ensures our graduates receive the comprehensive support they need. These partnerships result in continued access to job training, higher education, aftercare, and housing assistance while receiving guidance and motivation from post-release case managers with lived experience.
Public Awareness Campaigns: We all play a critical role in shaping public perception. Through awareness campaigns, we educate the public on the importance of giving reentrants a second chance, thereby reducing stigma and encouraging community acceptance and support. To learn more please visit wearegeo.com.
Direct Engagement: Engaging directly with the population we serve helps GEO understand specific needs and challenges. Town halls, surveys, and advisory boards where pre- and post-release participants can voice their concerns and suggestions are excellent for fostering dialogue and designing more effective programs.
Financial Support: Each year, GEO reaffirms its commitment to Second Chances and rehabilitation by supporting Second Chance Reentry Partners and Community Organizations through The GEO Group Foundation. In 2024, The GEO Group Foundation has donated more than $237,000 to Second Chance Partners, including:
