2nd Chance, Inc.
Our Mission
2nd Chance Inc. is a non-profit organization that is based on Christian principles. The organization’s goal is: “Helping Youth Reach the Next Level Through Education.” Our purpose is to provide charitable relief to young men and women through supplemental funding for educational and sports-related activities, which in turn will help them improve their general standards of living and quality of life. Our organization assist students in the areas of class scheduling, improving ACT/SAT scores, mentoring, and teaching core values that develop students into well-rounded individuals.
Our Vision
We concentrate our efforts on youth who would otherwise not be able to accomplish their purpose in life without some assistance through education, mentoring, and financial support. Our organization encourages youth to learn self-esteem and self-discipline through their participation in organized sports and other activities year-round. Our goal is to provide scholarship opportunities in an effort to further their educational and sports endeavors. The organization is committed to obtain funding through fundraisers, sponsorships, grants, contributions, and donations. Finally, in an effort to further improve the quality of life for these youth, we plan field trips to colleges and cultural activities outside of their communities.
Leroy Jones, Jr.
Founder & Executive Director, 2nd Chance, Inc.
Leroy Jones, Jr. is the Founder and Executive Director of 2nd Chance, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young adults reach their full potential through education and life skills development. His passion for youth empowerment led him to establish 2nd Chance, recognizing a critical gap in the transitional process from adolescence to adulthood. He understands firsthand how young people, especially those in sports — can be misled, overlooked, or taken advantage of, and he strives to set an example of excellence and integrity.
A 1995 honor graduate of Hampton University, Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor's degree in Administration and has completed MBA coursework in management. He is a graduate of John Yeates High School in Suffolk, VA, where he was an accomplished athlete, participating in football, basketball, track, wrestling, and gymnastics. He also demonstrated early leadership as SCA President and State District Club President of his Vocational-Technical Center.
With a diverse professional background, Mr. Jones is a retired Portsmouth firefighter with 20 years of service, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a Hazardous Materials Technician, a Journeyman Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic, and a former In-School Suspension Coordinator. He brings over 35 years of experience in teaching, counseling, and financial independence education.
Since founding 2nd Chance, Inc. in 2002, Mr. Jones has been dedicated to mentoring and guiding young people toward success. He is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and coach. Married to his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Hamlin Jones, the couple resides in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Phyllis Jones
Co-founder, 2nd Chance, Inc.
Phyllis H. Jones is the Co-founder of 2nd Chance, Inc., bringing over 35 years of experience in finance, accounting, and management across both the private and government sectors.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration & Management (Finance), Mrs. Jones has always been deeply involved in leadership and service.
During her time at Sussex Central High School in Sussex, VA, she was active in basketball, softball, and various student leadership organizations, serving as both treasurer and secretary.
Beyond her professional career, Mrs. Jones and her husband have dedicated over 35 years to mentoring young adults in high school, college, church, and the workplace. For more than 50 years, she continues to serve her local community in numerous capacities.
She is a proud mother of three sons and a loving grandmother to four grandchildren.