Our Inspiration

Conversation. Education. Renewal. Leadership.

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.

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From Pain to Purpose

By Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha, Distinguished political scientist, accomplished young global leader and highly acclaimed social impact leader

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In From Pain to Purpose: The Road to Reinvention Distinguished political scientist, accomplished young global leader and highly acclaimed social impact leader Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha offers a profound message: that pain, no matter how deep, can be transformed into purpose. For formerly incarcerated individuals, survivors of hardship, and anyone seeking renewal, From Pain to Purpose provides both inspiration and practical guidance. It demonstrates that our past does not define us but rather equips us with the strength to build a meaningful future. This powerful work embodies resilience, healing, and transformation—values that are urgently needed in our communities across America today.

For formerly incarcerated individuals out there, your past is a chapter, not the whole story. Pain may shape you, but purpose will carry you forward.

And when you live with purpose, you are already a winner. So, rise. Dream. Persist. And never give up. Because freedom is not just release—it is renewal. And renewal is yours.

🙏 Rooted in Humanity

Inspired by Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Guided by the Corporal Works of Mercy, especially visiting the imprisoned, feeding the hungry, and sheltering the homeless.
Anchored in the belief that every soul deserves redemption, and every life can be renewed through faith and love.

🌍 A Mission of Purpose

The American Volunteers for the Second Chance Project is more than a program—it is a purpose-driven initiative. It creates sacred spaces for:

Purpose rediscovery through good conversations and guidance.
Community reintegration through mentorship and support
Human dignity restoration through education and empowerment

💬 A Voice of Hope

“Our founding inspiration is not just a tradition—it is a living fire. It calls us to see Christ in the incarcerated, the wounded, and the rejected. It compels us to build a world where mercy triumphs over judgment.”
— Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha

Our mission

We are men and women who made it their mission to use their God-given talents to help formerly incarcerated individuals, survivors of hardship, and anyone seeking renewal to transform the hardships of incarceration into fuel for building a meaningful future