Building Bridges: Northern District of Illinois Hosts Unity Day Workout Uniting Law Enforcement and Former Inmates for Second Chances

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Sunday, community members gathered to break a sweat for a meaningful cause.

The event was part of the Northern District of Illinois Second Chance Reentry Court’s Unity Day, which aims to foster connections between individuals with criminal records and law enforcement officers.

This initiative provides a wellness-focused experience designed to build trust and strengthen community bonds.

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Traditionally, law enforcement officers are conditioned to view lawbreakers as adversaries, and those with criminal pasts often harbor similar sentiments towards the police. The Second Chance program stands out by offering former offenders a platform to rebuild their lives through unexpected collaborations with law enforcement.

Participants, including police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, probation officers, and former inmates, joined forces at the South Loop Orange Theory. Together, they competed for the coveted Unity trophy, working out side by side.

“You can see the vision of what we accomplished today,” remarked Dr. Anthony Jackson from Jackson Cares. “There weren’t multiple uniforms in the room; there was only one.”

But this was about more than just a little friendly competition. For Second Chance program participant Stevie Patton, its all about being given a second chance at life.

“It’s great to bond with people who aren’t looking at me like I’m a criminal anymore.” Patton said. “And actually, they are looking at me like a citizen.”

Patton spent 32 months in federal lockup on drug charges before being offered a spot inside the Northern District of Illinois Second Chance Reentry Court program. Sunday’s workout was just one of its many parts, all dedicated to helping former inmates stay sober and get a job.

“It’s changed my life tremendously,” Patton said. “I’ve been in different type of classes. I’m in culinary right now. I’m about to get ready to start a business.”

Former probation officer Will Smith with Concepts Outside of Ordinary Limits has been working with people like Patton for several years now. He explains why simple things, like an Orange theory workout, can be so powerful for participants.

“They work out and they just blend in. And it just exposes them to a world where nobody is out to get you,” Smith said. “Everybody wants to be part of a winning team. And sometimes when you’ve been justice involved you’ve been around people, who, they’re just not winning.”

Program participants usually stay in for a about 18 months before graduating.