When Grant Nicely was recently sworn in as sheriff of Johnson County, he stepped into the role with a clear understanding of the challenges facing justice-involved individuals—and a conviction that real change requires more than just another chance. It requires a community willing to stay engaged for the long haul.
From his perspective in law enforcement, the idea of a second chance is often complicated. “We see so many people who get second and third and fourth and fifth chances,” Nicely shared, “with no real change.” That reality can make it difficult to believe transformation is possible.
And yet, he hasn’t dismissed the idea. Instead, he reframes it.
To Nicely, a true second chance is not just an opportunity, it is a commitment. “It is someone that truly commits to that chance, to a change,” he said. But that commitment cannot rest on the individual alone. It must be shared by families, law enforcement, and the broader community.
That shared responsibility is where collaborative, community-based efforts become essential.
Through the collective impact model championed by Restore Hope, initiatives like Smart Justice Services and 100 Families, alongside local partners such as Project Community, are working together to surround individuals and families with holistic support. Rather than addressing one need in isolation, this network of churches, nonprofits, agencies, and volunteers helps meet practical needs, build relationships, and create pathways toward long-term stability.
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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