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The next generation needs our help and we need yours.
Donate or volunteer and help us make the future a brighter place for our kids.

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A simple and effective way for an individual to make a big impact is by donating to help fund the programs and people that make this dream possible.

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If funds are limited but you still want to help, becoming a positive role model can make a world of difference to our teens.

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About Second Chance 4 Youth.

Second Chance 4 Youth is a Utah based non-profit program with the aim to end the cycle of generational incarceration and lower the rates of recidivism.  Our classroom setting provides a safe environment for the youth to develop new skills that will aid them in their path to success upon release.  Our evidence based curriculum educates the youth in employability skills, interpersonal skills, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, motivation, time management, critical thinking, accountability, and healthy boundaries.  Students leave our program with a stronger sense of self, healthier boundaries, and confidence in their strengths and abilities. Our Program is founded on four foundational tenets introduced to the early 1900 Black Community by Booker T. Washington. By embracing these tenets, this community during the 1940’s, 50’s and mid-60’s, led our nation in the growth of its middle class, the commitment of men to marriage, the percentage of entrepreneurs and the percentage of men matriculating from college.

HEAD

Education and Critical Thinking Skills

HEART

God, Service, Compassion & Empathy

HAND

Industry, Self-Reliance and Love of Work

HOME

Family

How IT WORKS.

Second Chance 4 Youth provides the tools, support, environment, and post-incarceration career opportunities to those seeking to be productive citizens. We provide vocational training, counseling, mentoring, and leadership training. Highlighted throughout this initiative is the recognition of the blessing of being an American, where the concept of second chances is innate and within the core of its DNA.

Our emphasis is not on drugs, alcohol or crimes committed. Rather, we focus on behavior and learning to live a life of honesty, empathy, and accountability. Participants in our program represent some of society’s serious social problems. We have staff members and mentors that are living examples of the efficacy of the program. They themselves have done everything our juveniles are asked to do. Thus, they have the credibility to show the juveniles how to change as they have done.

Qualified juveniles must be willing to commit to a process of personal change. We ask that our participants not just be responsible for their own growth – but take on the responsibility for the growth of others and the community as well. Each step empowers them to help others along the way. We want to create a mindset that you are responsible, caring for and helping others.

All of our juvenile participants apply to SC4Y voluntarily. All that is required is a strong desire to change and a willingness to do whatever is asked of them to bring about change. We encourage and assist all of our students to receive an education, acquire marketable vocational and social skills; and earn the self-respect necessary to let go of their past. For most, this is the most difficult thing they have ever done.

Why IT WORKS.

At Second Chance 4 Youth, we don’t dwell on the effects of drugs on the brain, what crimes we’ve committed, or try to analyze why life dealt us the hand it did. Ultimately, we don’t think that matters.  What really matters is whether not our incarcerated students are tired of the life they have and are willing to put in the very difficult work necessary to create a real, legitimate, successful, and law-abiding life going forward during and after release.

Regardless of the crimes our juvenile students committed or the destructive lifestyles they chose to live, or their backgrounds, ages, or lifestyles – they share many of the same challenges. In our experience dealing with young, incarcerated juveniles, we find that our students often need help with trusting others, self-esteem, tolerance for discomfort or frustration, coping with feelings and controlling their impulses, dealing with authority, interpersonal and communication skills, working hard, keeping a good attitude and not getting caught in conflicts.

We have discovered, in their short-lived lives, that when incarcerated juveniles discover that they have tremendous and productive strengths, which may include intelligence, artistic, musical or athletic talents, wit and sense of humor, creativity, leadership skills, etc., we can use these strengths to help them address their challenges.

Mentoring Leaders for tomorrow.

The mission of our mentor program is to aid in supporting the termination of generational incarceration, as well as, provide the support needed for first time offenders and lower recidivism rates. Our mentors work to build a trusting relationship with the students, support them in transition upon release, support in further education, employability opportunities and overall emotional support. Our goal is to help the youth become productive citizens and great future leaders in our communities.

One of the most valuable ways to make an impact is by sharing your time directly with someone who needs guidance. Become a youth mentor and be a positive influence in the lives of those who need it most. It takes only about 20 minutes per week. Learn more about joining our team of youth mentors.

ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIP DURING INCARCERATION

By attending employability soft skills classes facilitated by Second Chance 4 Youth, weekly phone calls, and bi-monthly monthly visits to the facility.

SUPPORTING YOUTH BY ATTENDING HEARINGS & MONTHLY MEETINGS

The extra support offered allows an opportunity for the mentors to connect with the families of the youth and build a stronger support system.

CONTINUED SUPPORT
POST RELEASE

Educational direction, career opportunities, and shared community experiences. We believe in the value of the consistency while building a strong trusting friendship.

Our Team.

Second Chance 4 Youth is a non-profit service organization founded by Burgess Owens, former All-Pro NFL Super Bowl Champion, and governed by an engaged board of directors.

<center>Burgess Owens

Burgess Owens

Founder

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tyler Perry

Lyle Beecher

Vaughn Alvey

Tai Biesinger

Greg Hughes

Lance Rawlings

Brent Reddekopp

OUR GOAL.

Post Incarceration Employment Opportunities.

At SC4Y, we know that it can be difficult to find a job after leaving incarceration. So, as part of our plan to rehabilitate and nurture those who have just left detention, Second Chance 4 Youth will be opening a fried chicken food truck, and will offer employment to those within our program. This will allow us to teach the boys about honesty, integrity, accountability, economic and entrepreneurial literacy while providing them an opportunity for steady income.

The invisible generation.

85%

Percent of incarcerated juveniles without fathers.

75%

Percent of juveniles incarcerated for nonviolent offenses.

70%

Percent of the approx 60k youths in detention that are 16 or older.

66%

Percent of previously incarerated youth who will become repeat offenders within 24 months.

66%

Percent of youths detained who will never return to school.

53%

Percent of abused or neglected youth who are more likely to be arrested as a juvenile.

92%

Percent of youth in Missouri who attend treatment programs in groups of 30 or less that DO NOT become repeat offenders.

88K

The average yearly cost to incarcerate a single child in juvenile facilities.

From our partners.

The generosity of citizens stepping up and getting involved or donating funds is what keeps our mission alive. We sincerely thank our many partners. Here’s what a few of them have to say:

Second Chance 4 Youth is a phenomenal organization to be a part of to help individuals get back on track, to provide the influence they need in their lives, and the resources they need to reach their full potential.

I’m very fortunate to join Second Chance 4 Youth and young men that are literally changing their lives because they have a second chance.

Second Chance 4 Youth is because of Burgess Owens, and some of his passions to help youth, I can relate to. Second Chance 4 Youth changes lives.

Our greatest resource is our youth. Second Chance 4 Youth gives young people an opportunity to make something of their lives.

I’m happy to be here for Second Chance 4 Youth, There’s not a finer program.

Second Chance 4 Youth is such a great program.

One of the things I love about Second Chance 4 Youth is that it matches up mentors and those that are seeking a new life, and a clean slate; Mentors help give our teens a chance to learn job skills, life skills. It gives people an opportunity again to live the American Dream.

Just because I made a mistake, it doesn’t mean I am a mistake. I have spent over a decade helping create the conditions in which people will die, and I plan on spending the rest of it helping people live.

Perry Homes is proud to support Second Chance 4 Youth and their mission to help provide at risk youth with the tools, support, environment, career opportunities, and mentoring as they seek to be productive citizens.  The principles of Second Chance 4 Youth directly align with the principles of Perry Homes.  As we build high quality communities in Utah, Second Chance 4 Youth builds high quality youth.  We are proud to support Second Chance 4 Youth in building better people and communities. 

USANA Health Science is privileged to support Second Chance 4 Youth.  Participating in a process where we see youth with no prospect of a positive future transform into capable, responsible citizens with huge potential is extremely rewarding.  Because of being able to provide financial support. mentoring, and make career opportunities available for youth needing a second chance, USANA is a much better company and community partner.  Thank you Second Chance 4 Youth!

As a think tank that puts ideas into action, Sagamore Institute is honored to partner with Second Chance 4 Youth innovational model.  Incarcerated youth are invisible to most Americans.  Burgess Owens and his team make sure that we see those kids as made in God’s image and full of promise.  

Second Chance 4 Youth (SC4Y) has been a great experience for this facility and the youth we serve. The most impressive thing SC4Y provides is consistency and their willingness to help change young peoples lives.

 
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