Inspiration

Second Chance was inspired by programs that help incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society, especially within the Atlanta prison system. We wanted to focus on a specific marginalized group rather than taking a broad approach, so we could provide them with the help and resources they deserve. With family members who have been in and out of the jail system, we wanted to create something that could help people find positive experiences, access resources, and work toward changing their outcomes.

What it does

Second Chance helps individuals who have been incarcerated reintegrate into society. Our app/web platform allows both formerly incarcerated individuals and caseworkers to log in and access different features. Caseworkers can upload documents directly to the platform for individuals to access, view nearby resources, and use an agenda to schedule important dates and appointments. Formerly incarcerated individuals can access local resources, videos, and community events, including food banks and homeless shelters. They can also view appointments scheduled by their caseworker, add their own appointments to their agenda, and use a map to find resources nearby. The platform also allows users to scan documents and receive simplified versions that are easier to understand, as well as have documents read aloud for accessibility. Additionally, users can access support through SMS by sending messages to receive help and access the website’s features.

How we built it

We started with the document scanner and built on that idea, splitting up the front end, back end, and smaller pieces of code. We used VS Code, Python, and Claude AI to develop Second Chance, working together to build and integrate features into our app/web platform.

Challenges we ran into

We ran into issues with the document scanner being connected to the client’s view, struggled with syncing the calendar with the caseworkers’ calendar view, and had difficulty getting the app/web to merge together in general. We also struggled the most with syncing SMS messages with the app/web functions.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

I’m proud that we completed a demo of the goal we were working toward. We accomplished SMS syncing with the app, allowing updates and live help through SMS messages, which is what I’m most proud of our team for accomplishing.

What we learned

We learned more about coding overall and how to merge individual pieces of code into the app, making sure the functions work together properly instead of failing. We also learned the importance of staying on track with our original idea instead of jumping around and overcomplicating a simple product.

What's next for Second Chance

We would like to improve some of the app/web functions, incorporate more low to no cost resources for users, and enhance the graphics to make the app/web more visually appealing and user friendly.

Built With

python

Submitted to

Hacklanta '26

Created by

I worked and built most of the backend and I enjoyed it. I defined the data models and all their relationship. I integrated auth0 for caseworker account creation and client account creation. I also assisted with created our Agent(bot) that can answer questions based on the client schedule and documents

Daniel Sobowale
I worked a built most of the front end, contributing to most of the UI/UX decisions and assisted with the AI Chat bot.

whiteeth5 White
I worked on helping developing the idea, who is this product for, what are we trying to solve with this product, what would make it different and improvements, I also contributed to small codes and help through the team when requested, assisted with problem solving, and help develop the final project.

drea9johnson-pixel
I contributed to the development of the concept, including identifying its intended audience and what problem it should solve, and determined its format. Additionally, I assisted with the design, which underwent modifications. I also provided input on layout and presentation. I was in charge of research and finally put the idea in the early stages on GitHub, which was confusing to use for the first time.

Promise Albert