Who We Are

American Volunteers for the Second Chance Project is a life-affirming initiative designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals in their journey toward healing, purpose, and reintegration. At its heart, the program harnesses the transformative power of meaningful conversations and education to restore dignity, rebuild identity, and renew hope.

Through guided dialogue circles, mentorship sessions, and community gatherings, participants engage in open, honest conversations that foster emotional healing, personal reflection, and mutual understanding. These conversations are not just about sharing stories—they are about rediscovering one's voice, reclaiming one's humanity, and building bridges to a brighter future.

Complementing these conversations is a strong foundation of resilience education, offering participants a space for 21st century skill building. Learning becomes a source of strength, helping individuals navigate the challenges of reentry with hope and resilience.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower formerly incarcerated individuals by creating safe and supportive environments that foster open dialogue, nurture spiritual growth, and enable successful reintegration into society. Through holistic programs and community engagement, we strive to transform second chances into opportunities for leadership, purpose, and lasting impact.

This changed my life.

John D.

"

Vision Statement

We envision a society where every formerly incarcerated individual is embraced with dignity, empowered with opportunity, and supported through a holistic journey of transformation. Our vision is to create inclusive communities that champion dialogue, education, and social reintegration, ensuring that second chances become pathways to leadership, purpose, and lasting impact.

Through safe spaces for conversation, mentorship, and shared stories of resilience, we aim to dismantle stigma, restore hope, and build bridges between individuals and the communities they call home. Our ultimate goal is a future where redemption is celebrated, and every person has the tools and support to thrive beyond incarceration.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower formerly incarcerated individuals by creating safe and supportive environments that foster open dialogue, nurture spiritual growth, and enable successful reintegration into society. Through holistic programs and community engagement, we strive to transform second chances into opportunities for leadership, purpose, and lasting impact.

Our Approach

At the heart of the American Volunteers for the Second Chance project lies a profound inspiration—From Pain to Purpose: The Road to Reinvention — a life-changing book that calls formerly incarcerated individuals, survivors of hardship, and anyone seeking renewal to transform the hardships of incarceration into fuel for building a meaningful future. And that pain is the soil from which purpose grows, that every challenge is also an opportunity to prove their strength, and that survival is the foundation of victory.

Leadership

Meet the people behind this great work

Jean Narcisse Djaha, PhD

A Very Charismatic Young Global Leader with a Lifelong Humanitarian Calling

A Very Charismatic Young Global Leader with a Lifelong Humanitarian Calling

Founder , Chief Ministry Officer

Founder , Chief Ministry Officer

Charisma Rooted in Purpose

About Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha

Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha is the founder and Chief Executive leading the strategic design, implementation, and oversight of all programmatic, ministry, and humanitarian efforts within the organization with concrete daily actions deeply rooted in service, transformation, and impact—bridging spiritual renewal, social justice, and community reintegration.

A very charismatic young global leader with a lifelong humanitarian calling, Jean embodies the rare blend of visionary intellect, transformational leadership, and a deep sense of true service. He serves as the public face of the initiative in local, regional, national, and international forums, building strategic alliances with government agencies, nonprofits, faith institutions, and philanthropic partners. With a charisma rooted in purpose, whether speaking to global leaders or leading programs, he radiates authenticity, compassion, and strategic clarity.

🔹 Lifelong Humanitarian Leadership

• 26 years of volunteer service across 20 Catholic and non-Catholic organizations in Africa and the U.S. such as Réseau Humanitaire Afrique (since 2024), Catho Global (2008-2016), Missionnaire pour la Paix Politique (2010-2012), and many more.

• Founder of The Second Chance USA Initiative, a movement for spiritual and social reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals.

🔹 Global Influence

• Founding President of the African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR), shaping Africa’s voice in global diplomacy.

• Founding President of the Africa-Israel Economic Cooperation Committee, fostering sustainable economic partnerships between Africa and Israel

• Founding President of the Côte d’Ivoire – USA Foundation

• Strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies, governments, and civil society organizations.

• Author of “Geopolitics of AI: The Clash of 4 Competing Worldviews”, a landmark work on technology and international relations.

🔹 Legacy in Motion

Dr. Djaha is not just building institutions—he is cultivating a new generation of ethical, visionary leaders. His work bridges continents, disciplines, and generations, always with a focus on human dignity, spiritual renewal, and inclusive innovation.

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Volunteer Coordinator

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Fundraiser Head

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