Jacksonville Civic Club learns of 2nd Chance's services

Yahoo

03-04-2025

JACKSONVILLE — Krychelle Smith, executive director of 2nd Chance, Inc., leads the organization's mission to provide shelter and support for victims of domestic violence across multiple counties.
Speaking to the Jacksonville Exchange Club on Thursday, March 27, Smith highlighted 2nd Chance, which was founded in 1988 and serves domestic violence victims in Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah and Talladega counties. It is one of only 15 domestic violence organizations in Alabama.
Smith distributed brochures and the organization's 2024 annual report. She noted that 2nd Chance is primarily funded through federal grants.
Last year, 2nd Chance received 1,018 crisis line calls and provided emergency shelter to 82 victims and their children. Additionally, 208 clients received support through counseling, rapid rehousing, and outreach case management.
'We have the emergency shelter so people seeking safety have a place to go,' Smith said. 'We provide case management to every client we help, whether they are in the shelter or receiving outreach services.'
She detailed services such as safety planning, trauma-informed counseling, and financial assistance. In 2023, 157 clients received counseling, while 51 clients benefited from the rapid rehousing program, which provided more than $34,856 in direct financial assistance.
Smith praised the collaborative nonprofit efforts in Calhoun County.
'We are very fortunate to have a number of nonprofits here that are committed to helping people,' she said. 'If we cannot meet a specific need, we refer clients to partner organizations throughout the community.'
Despite the shelter being closed for renovations for half of last year, 2nd Chance still provided 2,609 safe bed nights. Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure environment for survivors.
She also addressed broader definitions of domestic violence, including elder abuse and financial exploitation.
'Elder abuse is on the rise as we have a growing aging population,' Smith said. 'Abuse can take many forms, including financial abuse, where a victim's money is taken, or technological abuse, which restricts access to resources.'
With a background in community service, Smith previously served as programs director for the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center from 2016 to 2023. In this role, she led the Leadership Calhoun County and Youth Leadership programs, founded the Matt Clonts Youth Leadership Pickleball Tournament and helped 400 high school juniors and seniors secure job-shadowing opportunities.
Beyond her professional work, Smith has been actively involved in various community initiatives. She served as a board member-at-large for the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association from 2019 to 2021, reviewed grants for the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, and has been a dedicated member of the Jacksonville State University Alumni Engagement Committee since 2019.
Smith has earned accolades for her work, which include being a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders Fellow and the Community Foundation's Volunteer of the Year in 2021. She recently was nominated for the 2025 Alabama Nonprofit Employee of the Year Award.
She said 2nd Chance remains committed to empowering survivors through direct assistance, advocacy, and partnerships.
'Our goal,' Smith said, 'is to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors finds safety, support, and a path toward healing.'