Tanaine Jenkins - Recidivism Strategist and Reentry Expert

01/08/2025

Why am I so passionate about education society about the Second Sentence? Because change is in knowledge ~ Tanaine Jenkins

I had the privilege of sitting down on The Horse's Mouth to share the heart and mission behind Second Sentence Awareness—a movement dedicated to eliminating the barriers justice-impacted individuals face long after their release

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to align yourself with organizations that are driving meaningful change. Supporting Second Sentence Awareness is not just about wearing a shirt or hoodie; it’s about wearing a cause. Every purchase helps raise awareness and funds to break down reentry barriers and provide second chances—not second sentences.

💡 Why Join the Movement Now?
✔️ T-shirts: $25
✔️ Hoodies: $40 (and perfect for the chilly weather!)
✔️ Now accepting bulk orders for National Second Chance Month

Your support makes a tangible difference. Let's walk into 2025 as advocates for change, one step—and one hoodie—at a time.

🛒 Get yours now: https://secondsentenceawareness.square.site

11/06/2024

There are rainbows after the rain... remember that.

After her release, Tanaine Jenkins .jenkins faced immense challenges, from low-wage jobs to paying off restitution while rebuilding her life. Determined to reclaim her story, she founded a confidence-boosting clothing line, became a public speaker, and now leads reform efforts in Florida. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, self-forgiveness, and turning past mistakes into platforms for change.

Tanaine, we are so excited to have featured you this month! Your story inspires many and helps change the lives of other for the better.

Read the full article on our website!



















https://www.carrierpigeonpost.org/our-latest-paper

11/06/2024

After her release, Tanaine Jenkins .jenkins faced immense challenges, from low-wage jobs to paying off restitution while rebuilding her life. Determined to reclaim her story, she founded a confidence-boosting clothing line, became a public speaker, and now leads reform efforts in Florida. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, self-forgiveness, and turning past mistakes into platforms for change.

Tanaine, we are so excited to have featured you this month! Your story inspires many and helps change the lives of other for the better.

Read the full article on our website!



















https://www.carrierpigeonpost.org/our-latest-paper

10/07/2024

It's Monday... and I GET to go to work that.

I GET to get out of bed.
I GET to talk to my co-workers.
I GET to go to meetings.
I GET to...

I count all the things above as a privilege because there was a time I didn't GET to do those things.

I didn't have a bed to get out of.
I didn't have co-workers to talk to.
I didn't have meetings to attend.

So now that I get to do these things, I never say I have to because I am blessed to be able to.

I am also blessed that so many of you have already purchased a shirt or hoodie to make 300 in 30 days a possibility.

For a limited time, shirts are still $20 and hoodies, because winter is coming, are $35.

Just 200 more to go and 19 days to do it! We can't do it without you. Purchase yours today at the link below.

https://secondsentenceawareness.square.site/

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09/27/2024

We are on a mission to bring awareness to the Second Sentence and you we need your help.

🚨 300 shirts in 30 days.🚨

Visit the link below 👇🏼to purchase yours and support today: https://secondsentenceawareness.square.site/

08/19/2024

I’m thrilled to be heading to Alaska for the first time to deliver the opening keynote presentation at the 2024 Mat-Su Reentry Summit. The theme of this year’s summit is "Building Bridges to Success," a topic that resonates deeply with me.

During my presentation, I’ll be sharing my personal journey from prison to president, and the critical role that employment, advocacy, and resources play in supporting justice-involved individuals. We’ll explore how each of us can be more than just “travel agents” pointing the way, but true “tour guides” leading and supporting others on their reentry journey.

I look forward to discussing actionable strategies to improve recidivism rates in Alaska, backed by state-specific data and success stories. Together, we can make a lasting impact by building stronger bridges to success for all.

Looking forward to connecting with fellow advocates and change-makers at the summit. Let’s build those bridges! 🌉💪

If you are looking for a dynamic speaker for your next event, let's connect:

TanaineJenkins.com

04/02/2024

"There is power in a name. It is through names that we bring all things into this world, and when they leave, it is names we carry with us, so they are never truly gone."
~ Justin Cronin

For 10 years, my name was "J42433"...

To be renamed without your consent can alter how you view yourself. I didn't realize this until I was 12 years removed from prison. Standing on the stage with a golf ball size lump in my throat, I declared my freedom from the number that stole my identity. Taking my name back was one of the most powerful things I could have done for myself.

What have you been renamed without your consent? Felon? Criminal? Unstable? Unreliable? Uneducated? I challenge you to take your name back and if that name doesn't serve you anymore, choose one that does.

My name is Tanaine Ja'Cole Jenkins. My father named me and It's a good name.

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03/20/2024

I love speaking to the person I was yesterday. I know if I had someone pour into me and show me what my life's possibilities were, then it would not have taken me 8 years to believe that I made a mistake and wasn't a mistake.

In Tennessee, I delivered the keynote speech to a class of incarcerated women receiving their associates degree. This is what makes the work I do worth it. People can not be what they can not see, that's why I show them me... and now I can show them these ladies.

Just because your last chapter didn't turn out the way you may have liked it doesn't mean the book is over. Pick up your pen and write your next chapter. Trust me, your story gets better. The more you write, the better writer you will become.

03/14/2024

"If you only do what you can do you'll never be more than you are now" ~Master Shifu

Someone once told me, growth happens on the other side of fear and I've grown 10 feet... of course figuratively speaking.

If you're around the Hampton Roads area April 9th come join me at the 2024 Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference.

You can still register, just click the link below: https://cnu.edu/ccejrp/conference/registration/

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03/13/2024

I can't wait for this one... will I see you there?

We have 32 days until the annual National Association of Reentry Professionals conference. My presentation, or breaks down the little known facts and talked about facts of what and individuals face when they come home.

We have an amazing lineup, this conference is one you don't want to miss last year sold out and this year is going to be bigger and better. Get your tickets at www.thenarp.com.

02/29/2024

I just left prison... the very place I vowed to never return.

A couple weeks ago I spoke to the women in the SSW program at Gadsden Correctional Facility and I told them I'd be there in person once I got my clearance.

Today I kept my promise.

The one thing that was echoed from the women is that I'd been there and I know what they are going through. One of the ladies called me a "Hope Dealer". I was told, because of me they not only see what's possible, but they believe what's possible.

Before leaving, I was given to envelopes and there were hand written messages from each of the ladies. Long story short, I cried in the car. lol

By telling my own story, I tell the stories of so many others. Today, I am more grateful than I was yesterday.