Empowering Communities for Change

Welcome to Phase Two of Life (PTOL). My name is Manuel Medrano, and I’m the founder of this organization. I come from a background that many of the youth we serve can relate to—I spent 20 years in prison, beginning at the age of 17, and was once involved in a life that I now work tirelessly to help others avoid. Having been a member of a prison gang, I understand the powerful pull of that world, but I also know the heartbreak, loss, and destruction it brings. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves a chance at a better future, free from the cycle of violence and despair that often accompanies gang involvement. At Phase Two of Life, we understand that the journey away from a life of crime is not easy. That's why we offer more than just guidance; we offer real-world education, mentorship, and a supportive community to help young people navigate the challenges they face.

After making the life-changing decision to leave that life behind, I decided to dedicate myself to at-risk youth, helping them see that there is another path—a better path. Phase Two of Life was born out of my desire to use my experiences to make a difference in the lives of young people who are facing the same choices I once did and have been through all the contemporary programs that are offered and never work. This organization is my way of giving back and guiding others toward a future filled with hope and opportunity by speaking to them, not at them.

Through PTOL, we offer mentorship, real-world education, and the support that many young people lack, all aimed at steering them away from the dangers of crime and gangs. My mission is to help these youth make decisions that will lead them to a life of success, fulfillment, and freedom from the mistakes of the past. Thank you for visiting our site now join us in our mission to break the cycle and create a safer, more hopeful future for at-risk youth. Together, we can make a difference—one life at a time.