Dive Deep.
Rise Strong.
A Southern California nonprofit transforming justice-impacted lives heal from trauma, earn professional PADI scuba certifications, and build careers in California's growing blue economy.
Three pillars.
One transformation.
Healing
Trauma-informed counseling and emotional support that help participants stabilize, regulate, and rebuild from the inside out.
Training
Professional PADI scuba instruction that builds discipline, teamwork, and a globally recognized certification.
Opportunity
Workforce development and job placement that open doors to sustainable careers in the marine economy.
12 weeks.
A lifetime of change.
Our immersive program blends professional PADI scuba certification, clinical counseling, and workforce development into a structured four-phase journey designed for lasting transformation.
Explore the full program →Foundation
Trauma-informed intake, mental health assessment, and building community trust.
Pool Training
Confined water PADI instruction, breath work, and building water confidence.
Open Water
Ocean dives, PADI certification completion, and advanced skill building.
Launch
Career placement, alumni mentorship, and workforce integration support.
I've felt the ocean reset something deep inside me. That transformation — the silence, the weightlessness, the clarity — is what every person who's been through the system deserves to experience. This program is about more than diving. It's about reclaiming your life."
Chrysanthus Thomas
Founder & Executive Director
With more than 15 years of experience in operations and organizational leadership, Chrysanthus brings the structure and compassion needed to run a high-impact nonprofit. His passion for the water fuels his commitment to helping formerly incarcerated individuals discover new purpose beneath the surface.
Read the full story →Everything you
want to know.
Donors, referral partners, and prospective participants often have the same questions. We've answered the most common ones here.
Still have questions? Contact us →Who can apply to the program?
Our program is open to justice-impacted individuals — including those who are formerly incarcerated, on probation, or on parole — in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Youth and adults are welcome.
What is PADI?
PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors — the world's largest and most recognized scuba diving training organization. A PADI Open Water certification is accepted at dive sites and employers worldwide, giving our graduates a credential that opens real career doors in the marine industry.
Do participants need swimming experience?
No prior swimming or diving experience is required. We begin with basic water comfort exercises and build skills progressively through our structured 12-week curriculum.
Is the program free for participants?
Yes. Surface to Success covers all program costs — PADI certification fees, equipment, pool and ocean training, transportation, and counseling — at no cost to participants.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. We provide transportation support to and from pool facilities and open water dive sites so that access is never a barrier to participation.
How are participants selected?
Participants are referred through partner agencies — probation departments, reentry organizations, and community groups — and go through a brief intake process to ensure the program is a good fit.
What happens after graduation?
Graduates receive ongoing alumni mentorship, career placement support, and connections to marine industry employers. Our goal is long-term employment and community belonging, not just certification.
How can employers get involved?
We actively partner with dive shops, boat charters, marine conservation organizations, and eco-tourism companies to create direct pathways to employment for our graduates. Contact us at [email protected].
How is the program funded?
Surface to Success is funded through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and in-kind contributions. We are currently pursuing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Every person deserves a second chance to surface.
We exist at the intersection of healing, skill, and opportunity — because transformation happens when all three align.