ABOUT
To offer youth & young adults:
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Hope-centered spiritual care that is culturally sensitive and responsive, trauma-informed,
strengths-based, and grounded in restorative practices.
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Guidance as youth explore values, engage in activities, and develop critical reflection and
social/emotional skills that will enable them to explore new possibilities, fulfill their goals, and avoid further justice involvement.
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Connection with mentors and support systems from their communities or faith backgrounds, ensuring they receive the guidance and services needed to help them grow and thrive as responsible citizens.
ICHANGE (Interfaith Chaplaincy Affirming a New Generation of Excellence) was born out of a deep, decades-long commitment to justice-involved youth in Contra Costa County. For over 20 years, Rev. Dr. Charles D. Tinsley served as head chaplain at Contra Costa Juvenile Hall, providing spiritual care, mentorship, and advocacy for incarcerated youth. Rooted in his belief that all individuals deserve the opportunity for redemption, Rev. Tinsley’s chaplaincy laid the spiritual and ethical foundation for ICHANGE.
In response to SB 823 and the California Department of Juvenile Justice Realignment, ICHANGE emerged to meet the growing needs of transition-aged youth (TAY, ages 16–24) preparing to reenter the community. Recognizing the urgent need for evidence-based practices that support rehabilitation, mental health, education, and workforce development, ICHANGE formalized a model rooted in Rev. Tinsley’s legacy of compassion, equity, and systemic change.
From its inception, ICHANGE has carried forward a restorative vision—centered on hope, healing, and opportunity for youth who deserve not only a second chance, but a future filled with dignity and purpose.
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
ICHANGE staff includes CPE certified Interfaith chaplains and educators as well as volunteers who provide culturally sensitive programs for individuals and small groups of youth through religious services, sacred text study, and mentoring. All are fully vetted and have received training in evidence-based methodologies that support the needs of justice impacted youth.
Executive Director
Rev. Julius Van Hook
Reverend Julius Xavier Van Hook is an author, speaker, ordained minister, and social entrepreneur with extensive experience in ecclesiastical leadership. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, he holds degrees in Organizational Management (B.A.) and Educational Leadership (M.Ed.), along with Clinical Pastoral Education training. Ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ, he has traveled globally, sharing the message of grace through music, service, and the proclaimed word. Rev. Van Hook serves as Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Martinez, Executive Director of ICHANGE, and Director of Spiritual Care for Contra Costa County Probation. As a Green The Church Fellow, he is committed to faith-based environmental justice and inspiring global innovation for the glory of God.
Program Director
Rev. Alexandria Van Hook
Rev. Alexandria Van Hook serves as the Supervising Interfaith Chaplain and Executive Program Manager for ICHANGE, a program of Gettin’ Outta Dodge Ministry in Contra Costa County. With a Bachelor’s degree in Justice, Community, and Leadership from St. Mary’s College of California and a recipient of a ACPE’s 2022 Boisen Scholar Award and Hemenway Scholarship for research in juvenile-justice chaplaincy, Alexandria has over a decade of experience in global community activism, and youth ministry and advocacy. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity in Spiritual Resistance and Resilience at Berkeley School of Theology, serving also as a Green the Church Fellow knowing the impact of environmental justice for our communities. Her focus is on expanding juvenile chaplaincy services and building faith-based partnerships in order to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline and impact the unjust system of Mass Incarceration.
Community Resource Chaplain
Rev. Damonn White
A Community Resource Chaplain dedicated to serving youth and young adults at Juvenile Hall and county field offices. Currently the Lead Pastor of Second Union Baptist Church, with extensive experience in pastoral care, including Clinical Pastoral Education with Kaiser Permanente. Previously served as a Youth Pastor and Administrative Assistant at Cornerstone Church for nine years. Holds a Master of Divinity and is committed to spiritual care, re-entry support, and compassionate listening.
Interfaith Juvenile Chaplain
Pat Reynolds
Pat serves as an Interfaith Chaplain for ICHANGE at the Juvenile Hall, where she provides spiritual care and support to justice-involved youth. She was trained as a clinical chaplain at John Muir Hospital in Concord and is a licensed Spiritual Practitioner with the Centers for Spiritual Living, actively participating as a member of East Bay Church of Religious Science.
Before her chaplaincy work, Pat built a distinguished career in child welfare, public health, and philanthropic grant-making, bringing a deep commitment to community well-being. She holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Chicago, and Harvard University.
Chaplain Emeritus
Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley
Rev. Dr. Charles D. Tinsley has served over 20 years as head chaplain at Contra Costa Juvenile Hall in Martinez, CA. A Presbyterian minister passionate about restorative justice, he has provided spiritual guidance, mentorship, and educational support to incarcerated youth, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a chance at redemption. His advocacy extends beyond chaplaincy—writing letters to judges, connecting youth to college and jobs, and pushing for systemic change in juvenile justice. His book, Ministry in the Trenches, reflects on the spiritual and social lessons from his work. Rev. Tinsley’s legacy continues to inspire justice-centered ministry.