Chris Brown -- Honored By Ex-Felons -- He's One Of Us Now

Chris Brown was just honored for his good works in the community ... by a group of ex-felons.

Chris was given the "Second Chance At Loving Life Award" by 2ndCall -- an organization that works with ex-cons and "others who society disregards" by helping them with anger management and self-esteem issues.

Leaders of the group tell TMZ ... so much negative attention is focused on Chris' hijinks ... they wanted to celebrate his good deeds -- like the time he donated 1,000 pairs of kicks to poor kids.

2ndCall says if it's able to help convicted murderers win a second chance ... then surely Chris deserves another shot, too ... and says it hopes to partner with him on more charitable projects.