FOUNDATION FOR SECOND CHANCES
Rating: 5 stars 18 reviews
Issues: Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Human Services
Location: 3734 West Slauson Ave Los Angeles CA 90043 USA
Target demographics: disadvantage youth ages 5-18 utilize hands-on education, mentoring, health awareness and community service to maximize their potential
Direct beneficiaries per year: 150
Geographic areas served: South Los Angeles
Programs: Afterschool, Mentoring, Leadership, Community Service, Tutoring and Reading Literacy.
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Community Reviews
I would really love to Volunteer for you guys, how can I go about this?
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I have been working with the foundation and I can honestly say that Foundation For Second Chances exists to make a difference in the community and a difference in kids lives.
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I've worked with this organization and have witnessed first hand the impact it has on the community. In a effort to promote health and fitness the 2014 Health Fair provided valuable information, resources and services to the community and brought together people from all walks of life. The fair offered immunizations, a cooking class, a fitness clinic, a host of vendors, arts and crafts and nutritious snacks for kids. The organization offers great programs that youth are benefited by and can participate in. It also has a variety of volunteer opportunities for people interested in giving back to the community.
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I began my journey with Foundation For Second Chances as an intern. I was determined to find an organization rooted in education, mentoring and leadership, and I found just that and more here at Second Chances. The programs offered here engage the community like no other.
These programs provide the additional educational, leadership and life skill that are so desperately needed in the communities that we serve. I have the pleasure of seeing just how much we mean to these children and teens in the community through their smiles, warm greetings and discussion. Often times they are unsure of their success without the nurturing programs ; we invest so much time in to assure that the kids we serve have the absolute best chance of growing into the success they desire.
Foundation for Second Chances is doing such a phenomenal job with the youth in Los Angeles. They truly deserve all of the recognition and honors that any nonprofit can receive !
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
I was introduced to the Foundation for Second Chances some years ago when my niece and nephews were students in the after school program. Upon meeting the founder, Melissa Wyatt, I understood the driving force behind the program and the commitment to the children the organization serves. The people who work for the FFSC are a heartfelt bunch with a dedication that is unparalleled. All of the programs that are spearheaded by the FFSC are not only beneficial to the students in the programs, but the community at large, and that is truely the way to positively impact a community. I am committed to supporting the FFSC's efforts and have pulled family and friends into the fold. If more people reach out to give and get helping hands for this cause, we all win.
The organization has several initiatives including the following:
* After school educational program
*Community beautification days
*Mentoring program
*Annual community health fair
*Annual Gift of Giving holiday event
Each program addresses a specific concern, and together create a more comprehensive approach to building a better community.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The organization helped my niece and nephews become better adjusted, outgoing children. They are older now and participate as volunteers for some of the regular programs. It is amazing to see the results of the Gift of Giving event or a beautification day. The children are so pleasantly excited during and after these events, and it feels good knowing that I helped elicit that response.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would increase the working budget. The operation is run very efficiently, relative to administration fees, and additional resources only benefit the children who are served by the organization.
I became a board member with Foundation for Second Chances because they were making a difference in the lives of young people. Everyone in the organization is passionate about working with young people to help them develop to their full potential. The passion is infectious and I wanted to be part of what I sensed was a movement.
What makes Second Chances different is the intimate relationships between staff and parents. Everyone knows everyone and it reminds me of the old adage "it takes a village to raise a child."
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the personal fulfillment of friends and colleagues who I've introduced to the mentoring program
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
work with local film schools. FFSC has a great story, but they are so busy doing the work that they rarely get to tell the story.
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Unlikely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Volunteer Match
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Making the mentoring program sustainable
What is its top priority in the long run?
Scale the FFSC model across Los Angeles to impact the lives of more young people
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I became a board menber with the Foundation after witnessing firsthand the passion and drive that the Executive Director Melissa Wyatt put into Foundation For Second Chances on a daily basis . Her devotion to helping these children to overcome the challenges placed in front of them struck a cord within me. I knew I had to be a part of such an amazing organization. We combined our skills and talents to produce a very successful event in 2010 called "A Taste of Health and Fitness" which was very instrumental in raising the awareness of health and fitness options for the surrounding community. I look forward to working the Foundation in many more future events. They are a much needed resource and cannot be allowed to diminish in their effectiveness.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Providing greater awareness of the health and fitness options in the community
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Bring even more passionate and committed people onboard.
I LOVE Second Chances! Amazing people making a difference and I get to be a part of it :) This is such a rewarding program I have just started my second year (of many more to come!).
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My life. It helps to remind you what's important in this world.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help them grow so they can make a difference in more lives.
Growing up in a single-parent household, I always longed for a male figure in my life. Serving as a mentor through Foundation for Second Chances has allowed me to take on this role in the life of a young man. This experience has been extremely rewarding, on numerous levels. Not only have I developed a great relationship with my mentee, I have also learned a lot about myself.
The program is designed in such a way that mentors do not feel lost or overwhelmed when establishing and developing a relationship with their mentees. The trainings, support sessions, and manuals available made me feel competent in becoming a mentor.
The monthly group outings the staff coordinates are an excellent opportunity for both my mentee and I to meet and interact with numerous mentor matches. The outings vary from recreational to educational, and everything in between. On other occasions, my mentee and I hang out, grab a bite to eat, visit cool places, and talk about whatever is on our minds. Regardless of the type of activity, we always have a great time.
Staff at Foundation for Second Chances is extremely inviting and dedicated to making the mentoring experience enjoyable and memorable.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my relationship with my mentee, his family, and my personal life.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help them grow and serve even more children throughout LA.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Great, knowing that I am doing my part in helping our world become a better place, one person at a time.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Foundation for Second Chances (FFSC) is an invaluable resource for the community. It offers tutoring, mentoring and other academic-centered programs for at risk kids in the Los Angeles area and beyond.
I've participated in several FFSC programs over the years and each one was a success.
There was the health fairs where kids and their families learned about the benefits of washing hands with soap to limit germs and proper eating habits. The programs worked so well because of the energy and excitement FFSC and its volunteers had for their mission.
There was the school beautifcation projects; kids and and their families became invested in the appearance of their schools by voluteering a weekend to paint their school and plant flowers. From what I hear, the students now have immense pride in their school and how it looks.
Kudos to Foundation for Second Chances. It is a great nonprofit!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have personally witnessed Foundation for Second Chances' impacts on the community. I've seen children smile as they met with their mentors at the different community projects. I've seen parents who would not otherwise talk to each other come together and support their children in painting their school. I've also seen the volunteers thank Foundation for Second Chances' organizers for giving them the opportunity to work with the kids and give back to their community.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would expand Foundation for Second Chances' operations to different cities and rural areas.
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
How did you learn about this organization?
Its founder
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011