The Center for Improving Youth Justice’s (CIYJ) 3rd Annual Steps for Real Second Chances challenge participants walked a total of 24,368,279 steps or about 12,184 miles. That’s as much as walking East to West across the country and back at least twice!
Eight teams and numerous individuals from across the country took steps to spread awareness for justice-involved young people in need of real second chances during the month of April, national Second Chance Month.
Thank you to all facility staff, young people and other community members who participated in the Steps for Real Second Chances challenge. The month was been full of energy and enthusiasm! The event also raised $1,145, which will be used to offer two CIYJ Reentry Awards ($500 each) that selected young people will use to buy basic necessities such as food, linens, plates or diapers as they transition from living in a facility to living on their own.
Congratulations to our 2025 Winners:
- The Individual with Most Steps award goes to Johnny Wind from Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility’s (EOYCF) Warriors team who walked a total of 624,000 steps.
- The Team with Most Steps award goes to Durango Juvenile Center from Maricopa County Arizona, where 272 young people and staff came together as a team and walked a total of 9,401,835 steps.
- The Most Donations Raised award goes to Randy Rictor from the Eastern Oregon Warriors, who donated $500 in support of second chances.
Each step taken, each dollar raised, and each story shared helped amplify a truth we hold close at CIYJ: young people are more than their past. They are learners, leaders, dreamers, and doers. And with the right support, they can overcome barriers and realize their full potential.
Team totals:
- Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center– Durango, Arizona Department of Probation: 9,401,835
- EOYCF Warriors, Oregon Youth Authority: 6,641,890
- Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center: 3,399,218
- Team DYS, Alabama Department of Youth Services: 2,259,329
- G-Steppers: 1,013,924
- Echo Glen Children’s Center, Washington Juvenile Rehabilitation:969,550
- Steppers in the City: 706,530
- Stepping Up Da Hills, Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility: 404,741
Together, the teams walked, ran and moved with a purpose; not just to cover miles, but to send a clear message. Every young person deserves a real opportunity to rebuild their future.
The Steps challenge may have ended, but the work continues. Let’s keep moving toward a justice system rooted in dignity, equity and opportunities for every young person.