Like so many of the people that come to STRIVE, I had nothing. I had just been released from Donovan State Prison and all I had was shorts, a T-shirt, and a whole bunch of uncertainty about my future. STRIVE gave me a place to live, some clean clothes, a bus pass, and the opportunity to change. I graduated from the program in 2004, and two weeks later I started working for My Plumber.

STRIVE has taught me to think positively, to take responsibility for my actions, and to be honest. I think that the most important thing that STRIVE has taught me is accountability. I have learned to show up on time for appointments, interviews, etc., to complete simple tasks on time, and to stop making excuses.

Since graduating in 2004, I have maintained employment with My Plumber, stayed clean and sober, and obtained certifications in Heating and Air Conditioning. I have also cleaned up my credit and finished my parole. I decided that day when I was discharged from being on parole that I was never going back to that other life, and thanks to Second Chance STRIVE, I have now become the person that I thought was gone so many years ago.

I will always be grateful because had I not come to STRIVE I probably would have been another statistic. Now I look forward to the time when I can help those who have situations similar to mine--I want to be able to make a difference in someone's life.

Second Chance STRIVE class #115 is the largest graduating STRIVE class in the history of the international program's network. The record-breaking group of 63 graduates will top the previous record of 59 graduates. That record, set in January of 2005, was also accomplished by Second Chance.

The graduation ceremony of Second Chance's 115th STRIVE class takes place on Friday, January 25, 2008 at 11 AM at Second Chance's Headquarters located at 6145 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, California 92114. The community is invited. The 63 graduates will receive certificates of completion for their hard work during the three-week job readiness course. Agency statistics predict that more than 70% of them will have jobs within a short time and more than 80% of those who get jobs will be employed two years from now. Second Chance will follow each graduate to provide mental health services and case management, as well as affordable housing and job placement assistance over the next two years.

Second Chance graduates often need career clothing before they can successfully interview for and win a job. As the job-readiness classes grow larger, we are in need of additional clothing to give out. Second Chance especially welcomes larger sizes in men's and women's wear. Needs for men include suits, ties, light-colored dress shirts, dress slacks, and dress shoes. Women graduations often needs suits (pants or skirt), skirts, dress slacks, light colored blouses, and dress shoes.

As a non-profit, Second Chance looks to it's supporters for Financial and In Kind Donations to help fund and supply these needs. Please take a moment to review the opportunities listed below that support Second Chance.


1) Make a direct in-kind donation of any of these items by dropping them off at our headquarters located at 6145 Imperial Avenue.

2) Make a financial donation of any amount you would like by visiting our website, www.secondchanceprogram.org or by calling Jo-Ann Jaffe directly at (619) 234-8888, extension #115.