BREAKING
SYSTEMIC
BARRIERS
Second Chance Battalion (SCB) empowers justice-impacted individuals through community advocacy and strategic reintegration support. We work diligently to improve public safety and community acclimation of our clients.
This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and rehabilitative purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The specific purpose of the corporation is to provide direct services, support, and resources to justice-impacted individuals. The corporation shall prioritize services for military veterans and their families while remaining committed to serving other eligible individuals consistent with its charitable mission. Services include housing, food security, workforce development, vocational/educational training, and case management.
JOURNEY & MILESTONES
Second Chance Battalion (SCB) was established in 2021 in Michigan as a direct response to the staggering systemic barriers faced by individuals returning from incarceration. Born from a vision of radical empathy and practical support, the organization set out to create pathways for dignity where they were previously closed.
We identified that the lack of trauma-informed housing and career mentorship were primary drivers of recidivism. By dismantling these systemic obstacles, SCB provides justice-impacted individuals with the essential tools and peer-led advocacy necessary for true, sustainable reintegration into their communities.
Since our founding, we have successfully launched the Healing Homes project, providing transitional housing for women, and established the Trauma Camp retreat. These key milestones represent our ongoing commitment to fostering long-term career success and emotional resilience for those ready to rebuild their lives.
OUR IMPACT PROGRAMS
Healing Homes Project
Healing Homes provides safe, stable, trauma‑responsive transitional housing for formerly incarcerated women in rural Southeast Michigan, pairing renovated, safe housing with wraparound support, reentry planning, and pathways to long‑term stability. Read the full project overview. This project is being developed in partnership with American Friends Service Committee Criminal Justice Program in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Reentry Navigation
Meeting people in their communities and fostering long-term career success through peer mentorship, providing food security, job coaching, skilled trade workshops, and employer partnership placements.
Administrative Advocacy Assistance
Utilizing the power of lived experience to provide emotional support, guidance, and accountability through a shared journey.
Metal Health
Metal Health is a project delivered by Jay Elias, a U.S. Marine Veteran who experienced incarceration and PTSD. He created this program through his Evolution Art Studio to foster community and growth through the creative process. He currently offers trauma-informed metal casting workshops in aluminum, bronze, and iron for all skill levels.
Trauma Camp
Trauma Camp is a healing retreat for returning citizens that creates a safe, restorative space to process trauma, reconnect with community, and build tools for emotional resilience. Through guided clinical workshops that include mental health/substance abuse care, peer support, and reflective activities in nature, participants are supported as whole people, not defined by their past involvement in the criminal justice system. This program has demonstrated the ability to enhance public safety and improve economic and wellness of justice impacted participants.
Fueling the Fight for Second Chances
Your contributions directly dismantle systemic barriers, providing essential career training, legal advocacy, and community reentry support for individuals ready to rebuild their lives and strengthen our neighborhoods.
You can send cash, checks, or money orders to Second Chance Battalion: PO BOX 390, Petersburg, MI 49270
You can also donate online via our current GoFundMe campaign below:
Donation Link: https://gofund.me/9e6252d80
LEND YOUR VOICE.
LEND YOUR STRENGTH.
Second Chance Battalion (SCB) relies on the commitment of community members to provide justice-impacted individuals with the essential tools and support needed for a successful transition. Join our network of advocates and mentors.
Dismantling Barriers, Building Futures Across Our Communities.
Second Chance Battalion (SCB) is a dedicated nonprofit focused on reducing the systemic barriers facing justice-impacted individuals. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity and support.
Our programs provide the mentorship, community resources, and advocacy necessary for positive long-term reintegration. By fostering resilience and dismantling obstacles, we empower individuals to achieve lasting success and community stability.