Voices for a Second Chance
Bridging the Gap From Incarceration to Community
Begin your journey
Helping Individuals Find Hope, One Voice At a Time
Our vision is to transform the lives of D.C. residents impacted by incarceration with a holistic, whole-person approach reentry programs that foster empowerment, family reconnection, and lasting reform.
The Four Phases of Reentry
Returning citizens can count on us to meet their individual needs at every step of their reentry journey. Explore our programs and services built to develop and strengthen connections to family and the community.
First Responder Services
On-the-ground outreach and direct support in jails, prisons, and halfway houses
The Welcome Home Center
Mobile and office-based reentry center supporting returning citizens with transition services
Moving Toward Stability
Case management, peer support groups, and resources for housing, employment, and education
Community Of Voices
Reclaiming voices, influencing systems, and restoring equity for sustainable long-term change
VSC Spotlights
Solutions From The Yard
Solutions from the Yard is a monthly podcast hosted by Train Our Voices graduates Charles Hopkins, Michael Dickerson El, and Dietrich Trent. In 30 minutes, they tackle the realities of incarceration and reentry, from trauma and homelessness to jobs, mental health, and family.
2024 Annual Report
Our 2024 Annual Report highlights a year of growth, impactful programs, and inspiring stories, reflecting VSC’s mission to support returning citizens with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully reintegrate and build a brighter future.
Celebrating Impact
Our President and CEO, Paula C. Thompson, was honored with Georgetown University’s 2025 John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award for her dedication to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and advancing reentry programs in the D.C. community.
Client Testimonials
“First, let me start by saying that Voices for a Second Chance and their reentry plan are the reason I've received an early release from prison. Because I didn't have a D.C. address, VSC placed me in a hotel for 30 days and aided me in getting my birth certificate. After the 30-day stay, they placed me in a transitional house where I stayed for 3 months.
During my stay at the hotel and transition house, VSC provided me with SmartTrip cards and Uber rides back and forth to work and class. VSC was the first program that I was introduced to which led to numerous others. VSC also provided me with employment and resume assistance. Now I'm living on my own and have 2 jobs thanks to Voices for a Second Chance!”
— Ashley A.
“Voices for a Second Chance helped me a lot. I was homeless and I had nowhere to go. I had no money. I had nothing for me and my daughter. VSC helped me get into other programs, helped me get on government programs, and when I needed transportation, they gave me transportation.
I am so happy to know that there are people out there like VSC to help. As a VSC client, my case manager and I talked about everything. Food. Jobs. Housing. Everything. They believed in me and provided me with the tools to help myself, and I did exactly that. I got into a program because I was homeless, and I received assistance every step of the way. After I finished the program, they helped me get housing and will help me get furniture for my home. If it wasn't for VSC I don't know where I would be.”
— Shirley P.
Thank you to our partners who make this difference possible
