Jquam Collins (L) with OJPC’s Devin Perry, Anti Human Trafficking Attorney Fellow
On Monday, OJPC staff members and former client, Jquam Collins, gave testimony to members of Cincinnati City Council regarding funding for the Second Chance Project. After hearing testimony, members voted to continue their 20-year partnership with the OJPC’s Second Chance program that helps formerly incarcerated individuals navigate returning to their communities with help on issues like record sealing, safe harbor expungement for human trafficking victims, and much more.
The Second Chance Project has helped countless Cincinnatians and Ohioans, including Jquam Collins, who after clearing her record, was able to go on to serve her community by opening a peer-run recovery clubhouse, helping countless neighbors on their paths to recovery.
The following is Jquam’s testimony.
Twenty-two years ago, I was lost. Stuck in the system, caught in the grip of addiction, and with no clear path forward. My life was a revolving door of institutions – a significant cost to the system, with no real return. Hope felt like a distant memory, and I was just trying to survive. I had no idea then that with the right support, I wouldn’t just survive; I would thrive, and in turn, contribute back to my community.
Getting out of the system wasn’t just about walking through a door; it was about finding the courage to rebuild my entire life. To face my past, embrace vulnerability, and truly believe I deserved a second chance. For too long, I felt like a statistic, a person the system had “written off.” But even in those dark times, I started to hear about organizations that fought for us, that believed in redemption, and that were actively working to change the narrative.
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center (OJPC) was one of those voices. While I may not have been their direct client, their very existence, their relentless advocacy for justice and for second chances, gave me an incredible sense of hope. Knowing there were people out there fighting to dismantle barriers, to seal records, to ensure basic human dignity for people coming out of prison – that gave me the courage to push through. It wasn’t just about policy; it was about the profound message they sent: ‘Your life matters. You are not defined by your past. You deserve a future.’ That message resonated deep within me, fueling my resolve to break the cycle and prove them right. They inspired me to believe that change was possible, not just for the system, but for my life.
I dedicated myself to recovery, one day at a time. This wasn’t just about my personal journey; it was about investing in a new future. Fueled by that renewed courage, I poured myself into learning, earning my Peer Support certification and then my CDCA (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant). These weren’t just pieces of paper; they were tools that allow me to positively impact dozens of lives every single day.
And then, something truly incredible happened. I took a leap of faith and opened my own peer-run recovery clubhouse. A place where people could find safety, community, and genuine connection – a testament to the idea that investing in recovery works. From there, the vision expanded, and I established three sober living homes, offering a safe and structured environment for individuals to rebuild their lives, just as I had. These homes are not just shelters; they are incubators of productive citizens, reducing crime and healthcare costs, and strengthening families.
Today, I stand before you with nearly 22 years clean. I’m not just living; I’m flourishing. I’m even enrolled in college, continuing to learn and grow, aiming to further expand my capacity to serve. My journey from the depths of the system to owning recovery homes, to being a student, is a testament to the power of recovery, resilience, and the unwavering belief – ignited by the advocacy of organizations like OJPC and sustained by community support – that when you invest in people, incredible transformations happen. Your funding Isn’t just a donation; it’s an investment in a safer, healthier, and more productive community. If I can do it, imagine the potential within countless others waiting for that chance.”