Born from the ocean.
Built for second chances.
Surface to Success is a Southern California nonprofit on a mission to transform the lives of justice-impacted individuals through the healing power of the ocean — combining PADI scuba certification, trauma-informed counseling, and real career pathways into one life-changing program.
Why we exist.
To provide justice-impacted individuals with transformative ocean-based experiences that heal trauma, build professional skills, and open pathways to meaningful careers — creating a cycle of lasting change in our communities.
A Southern California where every person — regardless of their past — has access to the healing power of the ocean and the opportunity to build a life of purpose, dignity, and contribution.
Dignity First
Every participant is treated with unconditional respect. We see the whole person, not the record.
Trauma-Informed
We understand that incarceration, poverty, and systemic injustice leave deep wounds. Healing is built into everything we do.
Ocean as Teacher
The ocean demands presence, trust, and courage. These are the same qualities that transform lives on land.
Community Over Competition
Our cohort model builds deep bonds. Participants rise together — and alumni lift the next generation.
The ocean doesn't care about your record. It only asks: are you willing to go deeper?
Chrysanthus Thomas
Founder & Executive Director
Chrysanthus Thomas founded Surface to Success after witnessing firsthand the revolving door of the criminal justice system — and the profound lack of programs that address the whole person. A certified PADI divemaster and advocate for restorative justice, Chrysanthus combined his passion for the ocean with his commitment to community transformation.
His own journey through adversity gave him a unique understanding of what justice-impacted individuals truly need: not just job training, but healing. Not just skills, but community. Not just a second chance, but a reason to believe in themselves again.
Under his leadership, Surface to Success has developed a nationally recognized model that integrates clinical mental health care, professional dive certification, and workforce development into a single, immersive 12-week program.
How it all began.
Surface to Success was born from a single observation: the ocean changes people. Chrysanthus had seen it happen on dive trips — the way the underwater world strips away ego, demands presence, and creates a profound sense of peace and possibility. He began to wonder: what if that experience could be made accessible to the people who needed it most?
What started as an idea became a pilot program, then a nonprofit, then a movement. The first cohort of participants — many of whom had never seen the ocean up close — completed their PADI certifications and described the experience as the most transformative of their lives. That was all the proof needed.
Today, Surface to Success operates across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, partnering with reentry organizations, parole offices, social workers, and marine industry employers to create a pipeline from incarceration to ocean-based careers.
501(c)(3) Pending
Surface to Success is currently in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. We are operating as a nonprofit organization and all donations are being tracked for retroactive tax-deductibility upon approval. We are committed to full transparency with our donors and partners throughout this process.
The people behind the mission.
Surface to Success is powered by a dedicated team of clinicians, dive instructors, workforce development specialists, and community advocates — all united by a belief that transformation is possible for everyone.
Chrysanthus Thomas
Founder & Executive Director
PADI Divemaster, reentry advocate, and the visionary behind Surface to Success.
Clinical Team
Licensed Therapists
Trauma-informed clinicians providing individual and group therapy throughout the program.
Dive Instructors
PADI Certified Instructors
Professional dive instructors who guide participants from pool training through open water certification.
Join us in the water.
Whether you want to volunteer, partner, donate, or refer someone to the program — there is a place for you in this mission.