Norris Wall was raised on a farm in Mississippi as the son of a pastor. He grew up surrounded by family. Parents, grandparents, and great grandparents all lived in the same tight-knit community. Life was simple and structured. However, as he grew older, distance developed within his support system, and eventually, he moved to Missouri in search of something different. At the age of 19, the bright lights of the city quickly replaced the quiet life he once knew. He became drawn

I spent 16 months in jail. The first six months, there was no barber, no clippers, no scissors - just time. Time to think, time to wait, and time to grow. By month four, my hair started getting wild. By month six, it was out of control. But honestly, it became the least of my worries. My case kept getting delayed - again and again. With every delay, the system kept me sitting in a cell. Eventually, I got tired. Not just of being locked up, but of the endless waiting. Justice

Michael Monroe is the middle child of two siblings. He grew up with the guidance and love of his mother, grandmother and great grandmother. While growing up, Michael enjoyed playing sports, with baseball being his favorite. At the young age of eleven, his mother met and married his stepfather. To Michael, this was the time in his life when family felt normal and traditional. He remembers his stepfather as a wonderful provider and all-around good man. However, at the age of 22

Gratitude is a state of being, whereas thankfulness is the expression of that state of being . Unlike thankfulness, gratitude isn't an emotion or response to a situation. It is a mindset rooted in awareness, acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment that exists regardless of external factors. What a blessing to be able to say, “Look how far I’ve come, look how far we’ve come.” Second Chance has been evolving as a staple in the Kansas City, Missouri community since 2008. Betwee