Everyone deserves a second chance.

That’s why Carbon County has named April as Second Chance Month in the county.

On Thursday, the board approved a proclamation naming the month, which looks to shed light on citizens with criminal records who have served their time and are looking to live the best life they can.

According to the proclamation, “An estimated 65 million American citizens have a criminal record” and “approximately 650,000 individuals returned to their community from state and federal prisons.”

These people face significant barriers after serving their sentences, including finding employment, housing and building a new life for themselves within a community.

These barriers, the proclamation says, “can contribute to recidivism, which increases victimization and decreases public safety.

“The barriers and stigma associated with a criminal record results in lost human capital and lost economic output for the United States.”

In Carbon County, the Reentry Coalition has been working to build a network for individuals who are nearing the completion of their sentences. Services include helping these people get back on their feet and a roof over their head.

Richmond Parsons, chief adult probation officer for the county, accepted the proclamation.