There are many second chance stories in progress. Some people
have just realized that they have received a second chance. Others are
in the middle of doing something productive with them. Some have had
success and are finding ways to give back. All are inspiring and motivating in their
own ways.
Taylor's Mom, Teresa Cochran
Giving in college student Taylor's memory has helped his family cope with his death.
They kept vigil for 6 days while Taylor was in a coma resulting from a fall out of his dorm window.
One of their projects is hospital bags for families waiting in hospitals with their loved ones. The bags are loaded with everything they might need: shampoo, toothpaste, etc..
Taylor's family did not want this special child's legacy end with his untimely death. His gifts live on through their support to families in need during a crisis.
Peru is taking an experiment and providing water to some of it's poorest residents.
Water is being "netted" in what looks like huge volleyball nets on the hillsides in Lima. It is changing lives. They are committed to providing 100% of Lima residents running water by 2011.
Murphy Jensen, reknowned tennis doubles pro, is using his fame and paying it forward.
His Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Murphy is helping to find a cure. He is promoting Movember (a contraction of "mustache" and "November"), which asks men around the world to put down their razors for the month of November. Mustaches are like "the pink ribbon" for prostate cancer. Participants can raise money through sponsors as well as promoting awareness of the disease, which effects 1 in 6 men.
Pregnant Moms, who are addicted, find hope in South Carolina Watch video below
Timber Lake Job Corps Center students Katherine Lawson and Steven Fodor work on computers in the business technology program.
Timber Lake Center is a Job Corps program, which offers second chances to high school students.
Many of the students have learning disabilities or special education needs.
They must earn their GED before chosing a trade program. They stay about 16
to 17 months before graduating, landing jobs, enrolling in college classes or
moving on to advanced training within the Job Corps system.
"We've seen miracles with the kids who come through here," teacher Jason Dyal said. "Most of them are here because something happened in their life. So
they're here with their heads down, feet dragging, and in a couple of months
they walk out of here a whole different person."
Timber Lake Job Corp is one of 123 centers across the country
with more than 100,000 students enrolled in a variety of trade programs.
Escada News; article by Evan Jenson; photo by Evan Jenson
