Our Mission
The mission of EOCS is to intervene in the lives of youth and young adults who have demonstrated signs of high-risk behavior or who are at-risk for such behavior. We aim to motivate them to modify their choices, and we focus on increasing their confidence and self-esteem, thus empowering them to make better life decisions.
Our mission is achieved by:
- Teaching life skills
- Early intervention and mentoring
- Providing social, educational and recreational activities
We accomplish all three through participation in empowerment groups, sports activities, and individual support. We provide positive adult role models to serve as mentors, coaches, and case managers. Additionally, we provide a safe space to learn and grow, teaching the young people new skills which can benefit them throughout their lives.
Our Team
Empowering Our Community for Success (EOCS) was founded in 2013 by Danny Chavez, Executive Director and a long-time Santa Clara County youth advocate. EOCS invests in life skills , leadership development, along with social, recreational and educational activities, to assist youth along their paths to achieve their fullest potential. With an extensive network of dedicated volunteers and an experienced working board of directors, EOCS focuses on prevention and intervention strategies for youth and young adults.
Executive Director's Biography
Danny Chavez is the founder and executive director of Empowering Our Community for Success (EOCS) and has worked for 25 years in under-served communities, specifically with young people, including gang-impacted youth.
Danny’s experience includes mentoring, teaching life skills, and doing case management. He works with youth both in group settings and individually, on school campuses and in the community. He utilizes the following curriculums: “El Joven Noble” and “Thinking for Change.”
Additionally, Danny’s lifelong passion for sports and for coaching youth, along with his desire to use sports-related activities as a tool for teaching life skills has culminated in a partnership with the San Francisco 49ers PREP youth flag football program, free to all participants.
Danny is a member of the South County Youth Task Force (SCYTF) and the San Jose Youth Empowerment Alliance (SJYEA). He is also a chaplain at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.
Danny earned a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership from the Spiritual Leadership United Graduate College Seminary International. He has attended numerous trainings and workshops learning about Restorative Practice/Justice and Sports Based Youth Development (SBYD); educating himself about the populations he serves.
Danny’s education coupled with his life experience as an undeserved youth himself living in poverty and succumbing to negative influences in the early part of his life has poised him to be at the forefront of youth intervention efforts in Santa Clara County.