For years Rockford has struggled with its crime rate that trails only Chicago among Illinois cities. The Forest City has made some improvements to get violent offenses under control, but there's still work to be done. But, what if the very people who contributed to the city's crime rate, could help bring it down? 23 News Reporter Tyaisha Robinson takes a look at ex-offenders getting a second chance.

"It's been a fabulous journey, it just blows my mind to think that uh, I made it," said a tearful Candle Hatchett. For two years Candle Hatchett spent her life in and out of jail, away from her children. But today, she's a soon to be college graduate, a restaurant manager, and a recovering drug addict. These types of success stories are heard often at this Mighty X Men and Women Ministries meeting. The program which is part of the Rockford Life Center is geared towards leading ex-offenders away from their past, and into a better future.

Faith Center Pastor and teacher of Mighty X Ministries, Jonathan Byrd says, "We have a recidivism rate of men and women who are going back into prison because when they come out, their past becomes their present and people find no outlet. So what happens is they go back to familiar places." One place ex-offenders would like to become with, is the workforce. So they don't return to crime. Yet, many employers are either reluctant or flat out against hiring these individuals as employees.

"The biggest fear is that no one wants to be hurt. Nobody wants to place an investment in someone, only to find out that I've wasted my time. I've spent my money. I didn't make a good choice," said Pastor Byrd. However, for Candle Hatchett who made some wrong choices in the past, says that second chance is so important. "Employers may be fearful because they're not quite sure. They don't understand what it really means to that person to have that second change," said Hatchett.

During a Unity Breakfast hosted by State Representative Chuck Jefferson, stateline ministers discussed the city's crime rate, and how they felt the judicial system leaves ex-offenders to fend for themselves. The argument is that some businesses can afford to take a chance, if it means changing a life, and keeping our neighborhoods safe.

"What the businesses have to understand is these individuals want to reform. They want to turn their lives around, but they have to be given on opportunity to do that," says Rep. Chuck Jefferson.

The Mighty X Men and Women Ministries has been operating at the Rockford Life Center for six years. Last week the center graduated 70 ex-offenders from the program with nearly 138 participants in total. Each one has regained their confidence and faith to rejoin our community as productive citizens.

The Rockford Life Center is located at 921 W. State St, Rockford IL 61102. Stateline residents are welcome to give them a call at 815.964.4966 if you're interested in signing up for the Mighty X Ministries Class or any other services.