The Power of Second Chances

Explore the profound impact of our work, where every success story is a testament to the strength and resilience of justice-involved individuals.

Our Impact

The care provided by SCC’s wraparound services integrates ALL of the practical and emotional resources our client-partners need to succeed and there is no time limit. We are a community of where peers help peers along a continuum of care and support. We don’t “place” client-partners in specific, rigidly ordered required programs. Our unique approach meets people where they are with what they need at that time.

2023 Annual Impact Report
2024 Annual Impact Report (COMING SOON!)

Care Management & Basic Needs

On July 27, 2022, Dewayne Jordan Walls was released on parole and came to SCC the next day. Like so many newly released people, he was stressed by the adjustment of being free. Even though he had a pre-release plan in place and SCC had found housing for him, Dewayne had been disoriented by the bus ride and had lost some of his few belongings. Staff reassured him that he was among friends. Dewayne was able to sit and relax in our lobby, enjoy lunch, and then visit our clothing closet to change out of his prison-issued release uniform. He was able to choose his new clothes to help him feel human again. Dewayne successfully graduated the Apprenticeship Readiness Program for the Construction Trade.

Breakfast and a Hot Lunch

Breakfast and a Hot Lunch are served every day. Client-partners, staff, and volunteers have the opportunity to share a meal together.

SCC's Clothing Closet

One of the first things newly released people do is to visit SCC’s CLOTHING CLOSET and exchange their prison-issued release uniform for clothes that make them feel human again. The closet helps client-partners feel confident for job interviews, and provides boots and clothing for those going to work.

The Pantry

The Pantry helps client-partners with their different food needs – from shelf-stable meals for those in temporary accommodation to fresh produce and ingredients for cooking once they are settled
in a home.

SUCCESS STORY: GENARO LOVATO

Genaro Lovato came to Second Chance Center In The City (SCCIC) on October 25, 2022. He told SCCIC staff that he was just looking for a phone and some bus tickets to get to his family home for the evening. He was adamant that he was not looking to change his life; he was content with how he was living. Genaro returned to SCCIC the next day. He had a bandage around his arm and a few more cuts. Genaro stated that he had just gotten out of the hospital and had lost the phone voucher that was given to him. He requested a few more bus tickets. Staffmember Rachel asked him where all the luggage was that he had with him the previous day. Genaro admitted he had lost all his belongings due to overdosing the night before, which landed him in the hospital. Once Genaro shared this news, SCCIC staffmembers drew him into a careful conversation about his situation. Aer about an hour of talking, he allowed them to assist getting him into TRIBE Recovery Homes. Initially, he insisted he didn’t want to go there, but finally agreed to give it a chance. There was a lot of emotion during his transition from resistance to acceptance. Genaro just needed a push supported by extra love. TRIBE and SCCIC worked diligently to place him immediately.

By November, Genaro had a job and SCCIC staff helped him obtain work boots and tools to get him started. Genaro is currently clean and has been appointed house manager at one of the TRIBE Recovery Homes. Genaro has re-connected with his children and is rebuilding relationships that he thought he would never recover. He stays in close contact with his care manager and is very thankful for the help, love, and support that he received and continues to receive from SCCIC. We are so proud of Genaro and his accomplishments.

SUCCESS STORY: JOE & CHASSITY CARR

Married couple Joe and Chasity Carr relocated from West Virginia, hoping to start a new life in Colorado. Joe, a former U.S. Marine, and Chastity admit that they were making poor decisions while struggling with substance use disorders that resulted in Joe pleading guilty to felony drug charges.

They arrived in Bennett, CO to be farm hands with promises of room and board, to nd themselves in a h wheel trailer with no running water or electricity. After working for more than two weeks without compensation, Joe and Chastity came to Denver. They were living in their car, with no family or support until they found Second Chance Center. Sta connected them both with the Pre-apprenticeship Readiness Program. Joe had extensive experience operating heavy equipment from his time in the military; he had taught Chasity how to operate a few pieces of equipment as well.

In addition to offering training, SCC provided housing assistance allowing the couple to secure their own apartment. Joe and Chastity have both been placed with the Local 9 Heavy Equipment Operators Union. Joe is a journeyman and Chastity is an apprentice. They’ve earned their commercial driver’s licenses and are working full-time with an hourly wage exceeding $32.

At graduation from the pre-apprenticeship training, the Carrs expressed that SCC changed their lives in ways that they didn’t believe were possible.

-Richard Cress

“On October 4, 2022, I was released from DOC-Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility. Shortly thereafter, I was enrolled in the Second Chance Center Apprenticeship Program. Through the assistance of Courtney Sanchez, SCC Director of Care Management , I was able to move into a Crew House. The Crew House provided a safe, secure environment for me. As a direct result of this placement, I was able to study & subsequently pass the Colorado Master Plumbing Exam through DORA. My success is a direct result of Second Chance’s involvement and opportunities for a parolee. “

-Rajay Johnson

“If I had one word to use to describe Second Chance Center, I would say “platform.” Because they will aid and assist you in creating your own platform, so that you will be prepared to go to the next level of your journey when it comes time to achieve your goals, dreams, and aspirations in life. “

Change a Life Today!

Second Chance Center is a nonprofit organization providing free transformational services and support to the formerly incarcerated.

Successful reentry is a matter of community health and we appreciate your support in sustaining and creating programs that make a difference in the lives of our clients, their families, and our communities. Our sustained impact depends on your generosity and involvement through volunteering, donations, and partnerships.

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