About the Founder
Mechille Johnson
Mechille Johnson is the Founder and Executive Director of Chances 4 Change, a reentry resource center dedicated to supporting justice-involved individuals in South Los Angeles. Having personally experienced incarceration, addiction, and homelessness, Mechille understands the profound challenges faced by returning citizens and is deeply committed to breaking the cycle of recidivism and instability.
With a passion for advocacy and peer-driven support, Mechille established Chances 4 Change as a one-stop hub providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and client-centered reintegration services. The organization addresses critical barriers such as healthcare access, job readiness, education, and stable housing—ensuring that individuals reentering society are met with the resources needed to succeed.
Through Chances 4 Change, Mechille leads initiatives that include case management, employment preparation, housing stabilization, behavior modification, skill development, and peer mentoring. Her lived experience fuels her mission to empower returning citizens, helping them reclaim their lives with dignity, stability, and opportunity.
Mission
Our mission is to promote the health, economic stability, and civic engagement of
justice-involved and at-risk individuals in South Los Angeles, regardless of their history
within the justice system, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.
Vision
To ensure that justice-involved citizens in South Los Angeles have full and equal access to
opportunities that enable them to lead healthy; productive lives, reduce recidivism, and
improve public safety.
Los Angeles County Social Enterprise (SE) Certification
As a certified Social Enterprise, Chances 4 Change is recognized for its efforts to
create social impact through job readiness programs and reintegration services.
This accreditation positions the organization as a trusted provider of
employment-focused services, making it an attractive partner for businesses and
funders prioritizing social responsibility.
California Department of Housing ; Community Development (HCD):
Chances 4 Change is accredited by the California Department of Housing;
Community Development, affirming its compliance with state standards in
providing housing services and support for homeless and at-risk populations.
This certification is essential for accessing state funding and participating in
housing-related initiatives, which enhances the organization's ability to provide
stable housing for participants.
