Who we are
The 2nd Chance staff is a
highly trained bilingual, bicultural professionals, specially
trained in adolescent development and the latest anti-gang
intervention techniques. We have a paid staff of
professionals, countless volunteers providing valuable support
and an excellent board of directors representing many facets
of our community.
Established in 1989, 2nd Chance
was formed to address the cries for help from youth involved
in violence and gang activity. Brian Contreras, director,
along with other community members who lived in East Salinas,
understood from personal experience how young people without
adequate guidance, security, or community could slip into a
culture and lifestyle dominated by gang relationships.
Local leaders, including; Simon
Salinas, Nancy Leon, Jesse Sanchez and Lily Cervantes
Contreras recruited individual gang members to help with the
development of 2nd Chance's unique services. After traveling
across California to look at other youth intervention
programs, a program was developed and it continues to evolve
to address the needs of our youth.
The city of Salinas has a
history of gang violence that stemmed from the early days of
the prison gang war in the 1970s. After a brief lull in gang
activity, the city experienced a dramatic resurgence in
violence. In late 1988, a family man was walking home from
night school when he was robbed, shot and left him to die. It
was later found to be a group of teenagers who committed this
crime. The incident brought media attention and alerted the
community, including city council members, to the needs of
youth.
2nd Chance began conducting
outreach on the streets and providing counseling at client's
homes. The organization's initial funding was received from
groups such as Monterey County Building and Construction
Trades Council, Salinas League of United Latin American
Citizens, and private donors.
In January of 1990, the city of Salinas put out a bid to local
community based agencies to provide gang
prevention/intervention services. 2nd Chance submitted a
proposal and received a contract for services in the amount of
$37,000.00. Three months later 2nd Chance earned non-profit
status as a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt corporation governed by a
Board of Directors representing the cultural and economic
diversity of Monterey County and the City of Salinas.
2nd Chance does exactly what its name
implies; offers youth a second chance at life without
judging, accusing, or pointing fingers. The organization is
a voice for those who have none, a harbor for young people
who need to find positive outlets in life other than gangs
and drugs.
