When Back 2 Work client Chris Saliba walked out of prison in November 2022, he carried the weight of two decades spent cycling in and out of incarceration. But something about this release felt different.
Tired of living the same destructive patterns, Saliba knew it was time for change.
“I was just tired, man. And I realized the people I was hanging out with weren’t my friends,” he said. “I had to do something different.”
That came in the form of Five Keys, a nonprofit offering transitional employment, and Back 2 Work, a program under the Butte County Office of Education designed to provide second chances through meaningful labor. Saliba immediately grasped at an opportunity with Five Keys to clean highways in the San Francisco area—an outdoor job that wouldn’t trap him indoors or at a desk.
“When I heard I didn’t need a resume for the job, I thought, ‘Perfect,’” Saliba recalled with a laugh.
Back 2 Work – With a Vengeance
It was not only just a job that awaited him, but also the structure of support and mentorship that he had never experienced before. Reham Nawar, the Back 2 Work Operations Coordinator who has overseen Saliba’s journey, noticed something special about him from the start. His curiosity and ambition set him apart.
“He was always asking, ‘What’s next?’” Nawar said. “He’d finish OSHA training, then CPR certification, and immediately ask what else he could do. He wanted to grow, give back, and prove himself.”
Saliba didn’t just show up—he excelled. From his first day on the job, he gave his full effort, picking up every piece of trash in his path and taking pride in the small victories. His work ethic led to quick promotions, first to backup driver and then to supervisor.
“I didn’t like being stuck,” Saliba said. “So I gave it everything I had, and it paid off.”
Saliba’s success wasn’t just about his hard work, but his insistence on maximizing his opportunities and using every resource at his disposal. Nawar took note, and has always marveled at Saliba’s dedication to seizing his second chance.
“We give people the tools,” Nawar said, “but Chris used them to their fullest. He built connections with Caltrans, which eventually led to him being hired. He was smart about every step.”
Support Through Transition
At first, the transition back into society wasn’t easy for Saliba. Simple things, like seeing cars pass by, felt jarring after so many years behind bars. But working with colleagues with similar backgrounds made a profound difference.
“Everyone at Five Keys has gone through something,” Saliba said. “There’s no judgment. That helped me get back on my feet.”
This sense of belonging, combined with a job that gave him purpose, fueled Saliba’s determination. In October 2024, he moved into his own apartment—a major milestone that symbolized the stability he had worked so hard to achieve. He also earned his Class A driving permit, setting him up for even greater opportunities. Most recently, he began a new job as a landscape worker with Caltrans.
“What matters isn’t making a name for yourself in the streets,” Saliba said. “It’s about buying a house, starting a family, and being there for your kids. That’s what I want now.”
Mentorship has become a key part of Saliba’s vision for his future. When his probation officer invited him to mentor youth through a San Francisco Police Department program, Saliba didn’t hesitate. The chance to guide young people away from the path he once followed felt deeply personal.
“If I can save a kid from going through what I did, that’ll make me feel good,” Saliba said. “Because that life—it’s not worth it.”
Rewriting His Story
Saliba’s personal redemption is a testament to the impact of programs like Back 2 Work. With structure, community, and opportunity, people like Saliba can rewrite their narratives. His success isn’t just a reflection of his own determination, but of what’s possible when second chances, grit, and the right support all come together.
“There’s no success without failure,” Saliba said. “You might fail a few times, but every time you try again, you’re one step closer.”
As Saliba looks to the future, his dreams extend far beyond his own success. He hopes to buy a house, start a family, and become the kind of father he wishes he had growing up. And, with every step forward, he continues to push himself to new heights.
“I used to quit when things got hard,” Saliba said. “Now I just push harder. And it feels good.”
For Nawar, Saliba’s journey is a shining example of what the Back 2 Work program aims to achieve.
“It doesn’t matter where you’ve been,” she said. “What matters is what you do with the opportunity in front of you. And Chris has made the most of it.”