We used to victimize our Tennessee communities, but now we are helping rebuild them

One phone call and one piece of candy changed it all. These seemingly ordinary events sparked a faithful journey for both of us - two formerly incarcerated men - toward a life of purpose and dedication to helping others who share our past experience.

We want to bring attention to the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction and highlight the need to unlock second-chance opportunities for justice-involved individuals who are returning to their communities.

As of last year, nearly 2 million of our fellow citizens were in prison or jail. Too many of those who complete their time behind bars find that when they are released they are met with closed doors and limited opportunities. This then perpetuates the cycle of crime and incarceration, impacting not just the individual, but entire families and communities, sometimes for generations.

But our hope and our experience is that through understanding, empathy and a willingness to extend a helping hand, we can break the chains of recidivism and pave the way for a brighter future. It’s why we believe in celebrating second chances every day.

More: After prison: How an East Nashville family is building a future one scoop at a time

We went from prison to purpose-driven community leaders

Individually, our paths were fraught with hardship - poverty, turbulent home lives and what seemed like an inevitable descent into the justice system. One of us (Papa Joe) became entangled in the Nashville legal system; the other (Joe Jenkins) was labeled as one of Chattanooga’s most infamous criminals.

Emerging from incarceration, we returned to our same neighborhoods that were riddled with poverty and desperation. But it was our renewed sense of purpose – a calling from God and profound faith – that laid the groundwork for our transformation and the creation of two organizations, Elijah’s Heart, and The B.R.A.V.E. Effect. Both proudly serve the same communities we once victimized.

Recently, Elijah’s Heart, founded by Papa Joe, delivered food and hygiene products to over 400 homes in Nashville.

The B.R.A.V.E. Effect, founded by Joe Jenkins, which stands for Building Relationships And Valuable Encounters, oversees six recreational centers in Chattanooga where individuals find not just employment, but one-on-one personalized support within days of release and open doors to better opportunities.

How we work with CoreCivic to help incarcerated people

In our missions to support individuals on their journey toward successful reentry, partnerships have been key.

CoreCivic has stood as one of these crucial allies, amplifying our impact in significant ways.

Most recently, the B.R.A.V.E. Effect began positively impacting lives at CoreCivic’s Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville, Tenn., where we provide essential reentry programming, mentorship, and post-release resources to men leaving prison to help break the generational cycle of poverty, destitution, and recidivism.

How every-day citizens can help

Close to 95% of those incarcerated will return to our communities - and many will return within three years. But with three out of four inmates rearrested within five years, the need for second chances has never been clearer.

Please consider how you can help transform your own community. It could be by employing people who have served their time or donating or volunteering with organizations who support them. You can lend support as an individual or through your business or church to help someone in need at just the right time.

We know it’s through forgiveness, love, mentorship, partnership and community involvement that we can break the cycle of recidivism and transform lives. They are the cornerstone upon which second chances are built, offering a path to redemption for those willing to walk it - just like we have.

Joe Jenkins is the founder and CEO of The B.R.A.V.E Effect. Joe Bradford (Papa Joe) is the founder and director of Elijah’s Heart.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Recidivism and second chances: We serve communities we once victimized