WHEREAS, The City of South Fulton, Georgia acknowledges Christopher Willars and the Life Unit for their contributions to uplifting our people across the Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, each April, the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs celebrates Second Chance Month to recognize the importance of helping individuals, communities, and agencies across the country appreciate their role in supporting the safe and successful reentry of millions of people returning from incarceration; and
WHEREAS, at the young age of 19, Christopher Willars was sentenced to 144 years in prison; serving 17 years — 3 years and 2 months of which were in solitary confinement; and Willars turned his pain to purpose by dedicating his time to effectively changing the lives of the men around him; becoming a Senior Elder, implementing re-entry classes, coordinating programs, and starting a non-profit to aid peers in transition; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Willars transcended his circumstances to become a well-known Mindset and Resilience Coach whose clients range from men and women reentering society after incarceration to corporate CEO's; and found Life Unit Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3, organized to educate and empower released inmates and their families with the tools they need to reintegrate into society; and
WHEREAS, The Life Unit Inc. assists prison-industry impacted families and at-risk youth, and people through the creation of learning spaces (schools/learning centers), safe havens for adults and children(childcare), transportation, housing and more; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Willars facilitates a plethora of courses helpful for any gender, age, or race such as Coping Skills, Effective Communication, Conflict Resolution, Financial Literacy, Homebuying 101, How to be a Successful Entrepreneur, and Social Skills Development to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Willars, the product of a second chance, promotes the importance of second chances and how to "STAY FREE". Christopher Willars story is a testament to redemption and the product of resilience as he not only discovered his own strength but continues to help countless individuals discover their strength too.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor & City Council of the City of South Fulton do hereby proclaim Monday, June 23, 2025, as "CHRISTOPHER WILLARS & LIFE UNIT DAY AND APRIL AS SECOND CHANCE AWARENESS MONTH" in the City of South Fulton.