BEYOND PROVIDING RESOURCES, WE MUST INSPIRE THOSE WE HELP

Second Chance is a nonprofit in San Diego that for more than 30 years has assisted justice-involved individuals in finding employment. The organization offers specialized workforce readiness training, sober-living housing, educational programs and support services essential to achieving self-sufficiency. Second Chance has programs for adults, young adults and students designed to disrupt the cycle of incarceration by helping atrisk youth and justice-involved people towards empowered self-sufficiency. It is the job of the Second Chance case manager to assist participants in removing barriers to success by providing resources and connections to community partners. Pretty straightforward, right?

The role of a Second Chance case manager, however, is a complex one. Being able to connect with an individual on a personal level while maintaining professionalism is a delicate balance. Our goal at Second Chance is to disrupt the cycle of incarceration

is a case manager and facilitator with Second Chance and lives in El Cajon. and poverty by helping people towards empowered self-sufficiency. Providing resources is an important aspect of the job, however, inspiring participants to change is the real challenge. How do you help an individual already labeled by society’s standards as an outcast to see themselves in a new light?

The role that mentorship plays at Second Chance starts with the idea that all people are inherently good. This belief system accepts and values people irrespective of their previous behaviors or past actions. However, often our participants don’t share this belief system. Our participants are in reactive and survival mode; often, this behavior is an adaptation in response to traumatic childhoods. Mentorship is assisting a person in embracing a new belief system.

Because we believe they are good people and treat them as such, they start to see themselves as good people and behave as such. This leads to a cognitive shift, a mental change that sets off a series of events which breaks old habits and routines that no longer serve a purpose. Our participants begin to experience what