Our Story

Being raised near the Rio Grande River and across La Tuna Federal Penitentiary, I wondered what kind of monsters lived within eye-shot. Our story officially began at age 16 on the softball field. Our team was scheduled to play four games against these monsters hidden from society. Though a little scared I looked forward to the dangerous adventure.

We played two games inside barbed fences and two games near ground against Trustees. Though every game was lost, I walked away with a winning perspective regarding societies “monsters.”

People inside were just that… people, not monsters.

Years passed, impressions never faded.

Years passed and still social impressions never improved. To society, justice-involved men and women are monsters unworthy of a second chance.

Several years ago I was asked by Christian HELP and the Central Florida Jobs Initiative to create an interactive personal and professional development series for the homeless and unemployed. The program to empower and employ brought in positive results as 70% of the graduates secured gainful employment.

During the second year I was informed people who stumbled within the justice system were not welcome. At that moment our paths ended and I focused on bringing programs, empowerment, and hope to those much of society refers to as monsters.

Empowering youths and adults

There are many reasons how and why 2^nd Chance University came to serve youths and adults deserving a second chance. I’ve always believed in choice and consequence where each individual has the power to forge their own path. 2nd Chance University is committed to sharing strengths (and vulnerabilities) to those who have struggled in hopes they too will become empowered and confident. Forty years ago the seed to help the incarcerated was planted. It has taken each of those years to build roots and branches strong enough to change society-labeled monsters into proud and productive citizens.

I’ve always believed in choice and consequence where each individual has the power to forge their own path. 2^nd Chance University is committed to sharing strengths (and vulnerabilities) to those who have struggled in hopes they too will become empowered and confident.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPCC, CPRW
2^nd Chance University / HVACTA
407-878-0474 / dhuffman@2ndChanceUniversity.org