A Second Chance At Life
A Second Chance at Life is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri.
A Second Chance at Life is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri.
My name is Jim Willfred, and I am deeply committed to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and supporting those affected by substance abuse. My diverse life experiences have fueled an unwavering desire to assist individuals struggling with substance use disorders and to spare other parents from the heartache of losing a child, as I have.
I battled substance use disorder for 20 years before breaking free in 2004. I received the Individual Achievement Award from Governor Bond for effectively leveraging assistance from government agencies to rebuild my life. I had the opportunity to speak before 500 government officials to highlight the importance of their work. I was also invited by Head Start organization to attend a weekend conference in Kansas City and later returned to St. Louis to run a mentoring program focused on teaching fathers how to be effective. In 2005, I joined the carpenters’ union, where I have dedicated 20 years to my role as a Millwright.
In 2006, just two years after overcoming substance use disorder, I purchased my first home. Over the following 16 years, I opened my doors to individuals battling substance use disorders. In 2018, I launched “A Second Chance at Life.” However, the timing was not right, and I faced numerous challenges, including financial ruin and the loss of five immediate family members. Tragically, on the 20th of June, 2023, my son Austin was poisoned by fentanyl. Since that day, all of my experiences, coupled with a profound passion, have inspired me to revive “A Second Chance.” Now, I am committed to not only providing sober living homes, but also focusing on advocacy, legislative efforts, drug prevention education, and fostering coalitions and collaborations.
While it is too late to save my child, I am driven by the hope of saving others.
After the loss of her eldest brother (2/24/21) Paul Jones Sr, Jones has dedicated her time bringing awareness to fentanyl poisoning. Jones has empowered parents to become advocates for ending fentanyl poisoning. Jones is very passionate about the quality of life for our youth. Jones also founded her own non-profit ,targeted at breaking generational poverty.
Tyrell Welch is a community activist, journalist, and Director of Media at A Second Chance At Life. Motivated by the loss of his father due to the impact of drug involvement, Tyrell is dedicated to raising awareness and fighting against hardcore drugs, including fentanyl. He is also a news reporter with the independent outlet BST Media, using storytelling and advocacy to educate, uplift communities, and connect individuals and families to vital resources. Based in St. Louis, Tyrell continues to work on the front lines of community advocacy and prevention.
My name is Shanon Mayes. I am passionate about raising awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and it’s affects on our community. I have over 10 years experience in event coordinating and production management. I work in the live entertainment business. I lost my son in 2022 10 days after his 20th birthday to a fentanyl overdose. I also lost my 17-year-old baby sister the same year due to her being high on fentanyl and her and my biological father fighting.He went and got a gun and shot her. The pain that these tragedies have brought into my life has made me very passionate about raising awareness and helping other families in the same situation. Passionate about raising awareness so other families don’t have to face what I’ve been through. I have become a board member of Second Chance at Life to channel all the negative energy from these tragedies into something positive. I may not be able to help everybody but I can help somebody and that’s what matters!