More than 180 participants gathered Saturday at the APS Student & Family Hub for the 2026 Second Chance Summit ATL, a community event focused on helping justice-impacted residents reconnect with opportunity and support as they transition back into their neighborhoods.
Hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction (MOVR) in partnership with community organizations and workforce providers, the summit is part of a week-long series of events designed to strengthen pathways to employment, housing stability, and long-term success.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined organizers, employers, and service providers during opening remarks to reaffirm Atlanta’s commitment to helping residents rebuild their lives after involvement with the justice system.
“I believe strongly in second chances,” Mayor Dickens said. “When people are ready to start rebuilding their lives, it is our job, as a city, to help them get their footing and get on the road to long-term stability.”
Connecting Residents With Practical Support
The summit brought together justice-impacted individuals, community organizations, employers, and City partners in one place to share information and services that support successful reentry.
Participants engaged in breakout sessions covering topics such as:
- Digital literacy training
- Legislative and community support resources
- Know-your-rights information
- Career pathway guidance
- Gang violence reduction strategies
- Sports and wellness activities
A vendor fair and résumé support opportunities also helped attendees connect directly with organizations offering workforce development services and other assistance.
City leaders said the goal is to expand access to tools that make reentry more manageable and reduce barriers that can prevent long-term stability.
A Citywide Commitment to Opportunity
The Second Chance Summit reflects Atlanta’s broader efforts to support residents returning home through partnerships with service providers and community organizations.
Programming throughout the week focuses on connecting participants with:
- Employment pathways
- Housing support
- Mental health resources
- Community-based services
Mayor Dickens emphasized that initiatives like the summit help ensure reentry becomes a pathway forward rather than a setback.
“Re-entry should be a bridge, not a revolving door,” he said. “We want to be that bridge.”
By bringing together employers, advocates, and service providers, the summit continues to expand access to opportunity while strengthening Atlanta’s commitment to safer, more connected neighborhoods for all residents.
