Those offering second chances deserve praise.

There are so many stories out there dwelling on the negative that when someone does something positive, they often don’t get the recognition they deserve.

A story out of Pennsylvania came out about agents with Homeland Security apprehending a documented immigrant while he was at work in a restaurant, presumably because of a past conviction. He also happened to be a registrant.

Instead of going into damage control mode and distancing himself from the arrested, restaurant owner Hamid Chaudhry, praised his employee. “Never called off, worked hard, straight and narrow,” said Chaudhry. “He discussed with me his crime and how he wanted to make things right.”

“Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future,” said Chaudhry. “He made darn good donuts and he made the best Challah bread in town.”

Apparently, the employee got his job through an agency that deserves recognition as well; New Person Ministries, an organization that helps people who have served time get jobs and housing.

With so much stigma attached to the label, it is refreshing to find people and organizations who are willing to offer someone a second chance and the courage to stick up for their decisions. For those who do, may their restaurants be blessed with the best Challah bread in town!

When you are in Wyomissing, PA, stop in and eat at the Wyomissing Restaurant and Bakery and give a special thanks to it’s owner for being a stand-up guy!