MORCA

ICYMI: The Mayors Office of Returning Citizens Affairs @orca_dc held its Second Annual 'Welcome Home Expo' a key part of Second Chance Month, which offers resources, jobs and many more tools to help transition to life after serving a sentence. @orca_dc @dc_moca @mayor_bowser Video Producer: @_drush

Yesterday, MORCA closed out Second Chance Month at the Welcome Home Expo, connecting returning citizens with resources, professional clothing, food, and the support they need to move forward with confidence. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all the partners who tabled and donated to make it possible. Special thank you to @sandlotdowntown for hosting us! Second Chance Month may be over, but MORCA will continue to connect returning citizens to resources all year long.

Join us today for the Welcome Home Expo for Returning Citizens powered by @orca_dc to close out Second Chance Month! MORCA’s resource expo will connect returning citizens with employers, job training providers, record relief services, treatment programs, and other key supports. The event will also feature panels and discussions focused on housing, parole and probation, family reunification, training opportunities, child support, and custody resources. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Affairs (MORCA), and the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) are inviting residents to celebrate Second Chance Month, a local and national observance throughout April that highlights the importance of supporting individuals returning home from incarceration and strengthening pathways to successful reentry. Throughout April, the District will host a series of events and initiatives focused on connecting returning citizens with employment opportunities, critical resources, and community support, including at DOC’s Ready Center in Congress Heights—DC’s comprehensive service center for returning citizens. The Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Affairs works year-round to support formerly incarcerated residents by connecting them with workforce development programs, education and training opportunities, and essential services. Through partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and local employers, MORCA continues to advance the District’s commitment to removing barriers to reentry and creating pathways to opportunity for returning citizens.

Second Chance Month is more than programming. It is people, stories, and real pathways forward. From artists to community members to partners on the ground, last week’s Open Mic in collaboration with @orca_dc reminded us that reentry work is rooted in dignity, expression, and opportunity. These are the voices shaping what second chances look like in real time. This reel was created by Lacy Davis, a returning citizen, whose perspective and talent helped capture the spirit of the evening in an authentic way. Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared, and continues to do the work. As we close out the month, we encourage everyone to continue supporting returning residents and @orca_dc because this work does not end here. #SecondChanceMonth #WeArtDC #DCArts #ReturningCitizens

Applications close soon! If you’ve been thinking about starting your business, WE ASPIRE PREP gives you the tools to make it happen. This program is designed for returning citizens and justice-involved DC residents ready to turn their ideas into action. ✔️ Business fundamentals ✔️ Help navigating requirements ✔️ Financial guidance ✔️ Up to $1,500 in milestone stipends No DC business license? You’re still eligible. 🗓️ Deadline: April 30 at 2 PM Apply now at dslbd.dc.gov/WeAspirePrep

Lifting up voices and creativity across DC. MORCA’s Open Mic Night brought together powerful storytelling, spoken word, and shared experiences that highlighted resilience and the impact of second chances. Thank you @thedcarts for your partnership!

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities was proud to partner with the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs @orca_dc to host an Open Mic Night in honor of Second Chance Month. Through poetry, music, storytelling and honest conversation, community members were reminded that restoration and second chances are possible. And that art remains one of the most powerful tools we have to reclaim our narratives and build connection. Reentry work is community work. It requires all of us to challenge stigma and create pathways for returning citizens to succeed. Thank you to our host @backpackjeff , special guest @ezstreet , every artist, performer, partner and attendee who helped make this evening so impactful. Second Chance Month continues. Be sure to support returning residents and check out MORCA’s upcoming Welcome Home Expo on April 30 as they continue connecting residents to critical resources and opportunities. #SecondChanceMonth #WeArtDC

Community members got to work across all eight wards for Mayor Bowser’s 10th Annual Spring Cleanup! Thank you to all of the community partners, local businesses, and volunteers who came together to keep our neighborhoods clean.

Are you a returning citizen? MORCA is bringing resources to you, all in one place, at the Welcome Home Expo! Whether you need help getting an ID, or need professional clothing for your upcoming opportunities, this event is for you. Thursday, April 30 1pm at Sandlot Downtown RVSP at tinyurl.com/MORCAWelcomeHomeExpo (link in bio)

Connecting returning citizens to opportunity across DC. Join the Welcome Home Expo NEXT Thursday, April 30 at 1 PM at 555 12th St NW, and access job training, employment resources, and support services for a successful reentry.

Taking Second Chance Month directly into our neighborhoods.  MORCA continues connecting with residents, sharing resources, and spreading awareness about opportunities that support successful reentry. Catch our last two events of Second Chance Month: Open Mic Night Friday, April 24 6 PM DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, 200 I St SE Welcome Home Expo Thursday, April 30 1 PM 555 12th St NW (Entrance on 11th St NW)

Centering healing and reflection across the District. MORCAShe: Strength in Her Story created space for powerful storytelling, honest dialogue, and meaningful connection as women shared their journeys through reentry.