Center for Community Advocacy in Salinas, California
site: CCA-Viva.org | 831 753-2324
He is the man who planted the 'Lettuce Curtain' seed that inspired this whole Lettuce Talk Steinbeck project. He's a well-known community leader who does great things. He's an attorney who helps exploited farmworkers fight for themselves and h's an inspiring character.
2nd Chance Youth Program
a non-profit Salilnas based gang-prevention organization
Exec Director: Brian Contreras
Second Chance 745 North Sanborn Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 758-4820 • site: SCYP.org
• email: info@scys.org |
Our Philosophy
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.
We provide youth the opportunity to empower themselves, set goals and take a deep look at themselves in order to determine what to change. The relationship established between 2nd Chance staff and young people helps break the hard exterior and find the diamond in the rough.
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.
