MUNCIE, Ind. — Kenny West wants to stop generational crime. That’s why the Muncie sheriff’s deputy started “Second Chance Dads” four years ago — a program that helps find jobs for convicted felons after they serve their time.
“It makes them feel like they have a place in society, that someone cares about [them],” West said. “I have one gentleman say, ‘Man, I feel like you're the only one who's fighting for us, and I really thank you, and I appreciate that.’”
How does West feel when he hears that?
“It makes me feel like I'm doing my job,” West said. “I'm serving my community. I'm giving back.”
Being a father himself, West was frustrated with generational crime, seeing fathers becoming convicted felons, and then their kids follow suit and end up in jail themselves, and then their grandkids do the same, and so on.
“We have a generation of crime, from the grandfather to the son to the grandson. It’s a vicious cycle,” West said.
That prompted West to ask the question: What can be done to stop this recidivism in his community?
“I had a friend that just got out of prison, and he was having a hard time getting the job," West recalled. "He wanted to get back into his lifestyle, and he was struggling with the fact that he said that no employer would give him an opportunity to work. It was hurtful. If it wasn't for his family paying the bills and feeding him meals, I don't know how he would have made it.”
Fast forward four years, Muncie businesses — which previously had a policy of not hiring felons — have now started trusting West’s recommendations.
These days, West said he’s getting calls from local employers asking about more ex-cons who want a fresh start.
“A company called me today and said, ‘Hey, can you send me a guy just like the guy that you sent me today? I need guys like that! He showed up on time. He's working out great!’” West said.
While West said he wants to focus on making his town of Muncie a better place, Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner is looking to expand this successful program into other communities — quite the compliment for West, who simply started this program to protect his own family.
“I have a son, and I didn't want any one to take out my son. That's what I base this [program] on: my own son; saving my son and hopefully saving someone else's son," West said. "When I got into this position on the police force, my son said, ‘Dad, I'm proud of you.’”
Holding back emotions, West said, “I'm a dad trying to be a tough guy, but I get all choked up about that.”