“ Second Chance allowed me to become stable ; to advance my life in a more structured way – more than what would have been possible if I was on my own .” With the stability of a place to live and a supportive house manager , he found work right away as the local economy came back to life . He saved his money , counted his blessings daily , and in six months , moved into his own apartment .
Operating on the ground floor and undeterred by the complex problems formerly incarcerated citizens face , Second Chance ’ s mission and singular focus is to disrupt the cycles of incarceration and poverty by helping people find their way to self-sufficiency .
Founded in 1993 , Second Chance provides critical workforce readiness training and wraparound services , proven to reduce recidivism and economically empower youth and adults who have been or are at-risk of becoming involved with the justice system . A criminal record significantly reduces an individual ’ s educational achievement and lifetime earnings , creating obstacles that make selfsufficiency nearly impossible .
Graduate Matt outside Second Chance
Those obstacles can be overcome with job training opportunities , learning life skills , eliminating educational barriers and addressing ancillary issues such as mental and physical health , housing and substance use . Second Chance programs are designed to overcome the unique challenges each person faces – from housing and job training to mental health and sobriety .
Most individuals enrolled in Second Chance programming come from the surrounding communities of Southeast San Diego , Encanto , City Heights and Barrio Logan , where unemployment is 57 % higher than the city ’ s average ,
Youth Garden according to the most recent U . S Census figures . In an effort to deter youth from becoming justice involved , Second Chance transformed an unused and unsightly plot of land to a thriving Youth Garden , where participants take direct responsibility for the growth , harvest and sale of fresh produce . Their eight-week program combines classroom and experiential learning to increase participant awareness of urban agriculture and food justice , while helping them progress towards successful high school graduation and / or employment .
For 10 years in a row , the program has been selected as a San Diego Gas & Electric ’ s Environmental Champion , a grant program focused on improving the local environment and supporting climate action . Over the last 18 months , the impact of COVID-19 has been felt deeply by the community Second Chance serves . The pandemic highlighted the lack of resources individuals need to successfully re-enter society . Second Chance is that critical bridge for individuals seeking help . The organization is grateful for its many community supporters and partners , working together to help thousands of San Diegans find their way to self-sufficiency .
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