April is recognized as Second Chance Month in Michigan following a proclamation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

This recognition helps elevate the importance of successful reentry and the need to remove barriers facing people returning home from incarceration. It also creates space to continue advancing policy, advocacy, and community-based work across the state.

Barriers to housing, employment, healthcare, and stability remain a reality for many returning citizens. VAAC’s work focuses on ensuring people impacted by the criminal legal system have access to the information, support, and tools needed to fully participate in civic life.

As the FY2027 budget is being finalized, there is an opportunity to invest in:

• Community-based violence prevention and diversion

• Access to healthcare and education inside

• Reentry support, including for people not on parole

These are established approaches that support successful reentry and strengthen communities.

Learn more and take action through our partners at MI-CEMI: https://michigancollaborative.org/2026/03/investing-in-a-safer-michigan-fy2027-budget-recommendations