South Bay Slides and Slam Dunks into Second Chance Month for the Win

Written By Dr. Kenneth C. Garner, National Director of Vocational Programs

On a hot spring day in April, the South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (South Bay CRF) Sugar Canes made their way to the court and diamond and left more than just points on the score board. The South Bay Sugar Canes is a team of justice impacted individuals at South Bay CRF. They serve as peer mentors and work with facility leadership and alumni services to host positive and engaging activities for the staff and their peers. The team believes they can utilize sports to inspire and motivate others to become agents of change.

The South Bay Sugar Canes hosted two events in April in honor of Second Chance Month. First, the Sugar Canes basketball team took on Saints Prison Ministry, and then, the Sugar Canes Softball team rounded the bases against the Jack Brewer Foundation’s American Heroes Team. Although there was a score board at each event; for this group the real win comes from helping others, and that is exactly what they do.

The chanting of “Let’s go Sugar Canes! Let’s Go” could be heard by hundreds of attendees. Their mission never stops ringing; calling out to each of us to make a difference. Sugar Cane First Baseman, Jason Carter, explains the mission, “It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about fellowship, learning and growing together. We want to bring everyone together as a community. As a peer mentor, we know the importance of giving back to our community. We start by giving back here at South Bay and will continue to do so on a global level upon release.”

Vincent Johnson, Captain of the Sugar Canes Basketball team, is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the South Bay community. Johnson consistently was heard cheering on his Sugar Canes with this magical message, “Give it your all, do it with love.” We can all agree that Mr. Carter, Mr. Johnson, and all of the South Bay Sugar Canes have given us all a sneak peek into their second chance success play book. LET’S GO SUGAR CANES, LETS GO!