A Chicago second-chance program brings people with criminal pasts and law enforcement together for a Unity Day. It is a wellness experience to promote trust, and stronger community relationships.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:16PMThe Northern District of Illinois Second Chance Reentry Court program brings people with criminal pasts and law enforcement together for a Unity Day.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch Law enforcement officers are usually trained to see those who break the law as the enemy, and vice versa. And that's what is so unique about this second-chance program, allowing those making their re-entry into society to find a better way by building relationships with those they least expected to.
Side by side, police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, probation officers and former inmates got their sweat on inside the South Loop Orange Theory on Sunday, all while competing for the Unity trophy.
"You guys can see the vision of what we did today," said Dr. Anthony Jackson with Jackson Cares. "It wasn'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. "Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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