April 6, 2012 Issue No. 24
Greetings! 

         

Second Chance Inc. could not carry out its three-fold mission of providing genuine "second chances" without your continued willingness to shop, donate, deconstruct, and volunteer. Still, our vision is so grand that further resources are always needed if we're to accomplish it. When a charitable foundation realizes the import of what we're doing and then decides to fund those efforts, we are extremely humbled and grateful.    

 

The Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation is a superb example of this type of strategic partnership. The Knott Foundation's focus on human services touches numerous areas--from helping to meet people's basic needs, to housing and homelessness, to workforce development, to family and children's services. In some sense, Second Chance's work impacts each of these categories, and their gracious grants help us both do more than we could ever do otherwise!   


It is meaningful to us when an outstanding outfit like the Knott Foundation highlights our efforts. We thought you might enjoy hearing from them, too. So here is their March 2012 "Grant Spotlight," written by Kelly Medinger:


52 ,000 labor hours created. $3.2 million consumer
dollars saved. 11 million pounds of landfill waste diverted. And that was just in one year!


Founded in 2001, Second Chance provides people, materials, and the environment with "a second chance." The organization deconstructs buildings and homes,

salvages usable materials, and then sells them to the public. The sales proceeds funnel into their workforce development program, which provides job training and placement to those with employment obstacles in the Baltimore region. 

"It was hard to fully appreciate the social benefit of what we do until the first four guys graduated from our job training program," Mark Foster, Founder and Executive Director, says with emotion in his eyes. "Then I saw what it actually meant - to watch four guys completely turn their lives around."


Yet the turn is not an easy one. Job trainees must pass a rigorous two-week evaluation and qualifying period, which includes life and safety skills development, and then embark on 16 weeks of on-the-job technical instruction in how to use numerous types of power tools, hand tools, and equipment. Upon completion of the program, qualified trainees receive additional, specialized training in lead abatement and other hazardous materials removal and handling, as well as forklift operation. And those motivated to advance further can go on to receive certificates in carpentry, restoration, manufacturing, plumbing, electrical and masonry. In the end, trainees are placed in green jobs at companies such as Hirsch Electric and Waste Management System.

With funding from the Knott Foundation, Second Chance expanded the capacity of its job training program from 10 new trainees in 2010 to 30 in 2011, and they are projecting to reach 50 in 2012. Even more

impressive are the outcomes from the program: During the grant period, for example, Second Chance boasted a 100% graduation rate. Every graduate was placed into a green job, and 97% remained in their jobs after one year. Moreover, ten workforce trainees were promoted, resulting in a combined annual pay increase of $52,000.

Second Chance's new headquarters located at 1700 Ridgely Street in South Baltimore has brought the

organization's retail operations, job training program, and central office all under one roof - a meaningful achievement for the growing non-profit and social enterprise. "The general public comes to Second Chance to shop in the warehouse for home furnishings, architectural salvage materials, building materials, and kitchen and bath elements," shares Foster. "What they may not know is the whole story of our organization - what we accomplish for the universal good of us all."

Thanks to you and the Knott Foundation for striving with us "for the universal good of us all!" 

  

 -Your Second Chance Team    

   SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY...

Let's Train Two More!


We are now 56% of the way toward our goal of outfitting two unemployed Baltimore residents with everything they need to be trained in the sustainable art and science of deconstruction!  

 

Make a donation through GiveCorps to enjoy the satisfaction of helping develop a green-collar workforce out of employment-challenged people.  You'll also receive a great Gift Coupon from a local business for as little as a $10 contribution!  It's quick and secure, so please consider helping outfit two trainees for success.
   UNIQUE ITEM...

Old Coca-Cola Cooler   

Remodeling or Demolishing? 
Contact Jeremy to learn how deconstruction can add value to your project and our mission! 
Call 410-385-1101 x 103 or
click here to email
Call 410-385-1101 x 110 or
click here to email
(Donation tax receipt provided!) 

OUR RETAIL WAREHOUSE IS

OPEN DAILY!

9am - 5pm, Monday thru Sunday
For Map & Directions click here.

410-385-1700

 Give a Gift that  

Retrains, Reclaims & Renews!

 

 

Give online securely through PayPal!  

 

Every gift...

                 ...provides real second chances,   

                 ...is fully tax-deductible, and

                 ...is deeply appreciated!    


Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
View our videos on YouTube
IN THE MEDIA...
Second Chance Featured in Sprint Biz Commercial!


We were recently honored that Sprint selected us to be featured in a commercial of successful businesses. Excitement was high as the cameras rolled in the field and warehouses during a couple chilly winter days. Then, a talented production crew went to work transforming hours of video into an amazing production. Check out this cool web commercial here!

We would also like to sincerely thank Sprint for donating to us a generous amount of phones, PDAs and tablets--all powered by a year of free service! Watch the video for ideas of ways we can put the new technology to work to create more and better "second chances." 


LOCAL GREEN NEWS... 

A Healthy Harbor

 

Since Second Chance is committed to preserving and protecting our natural environment, we never mind cross-promoting like-minded green organizations. One doing a great job right here in Baltimore is Healthy Harbor. Check out their website to learn more about their history and objectives. Of particular note is their vision to have a "swimmable fishable Inner Harbor by 2020"...

 

"In less than ten years Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore envisions a truly recreational Harbor with green edges and running paths; trash-free open waters for boating, fishing, and swimming; shoreline marsh that shelters crabs and herons; and a Harbor teeming with fish that are safe for human consumption. The Harbor should be an overall centerpiece of city pride, and a resource for citizens and tourists alike."   

 

Like their vision? On their website you'll always find at least one current initiative you can join!

 

 

Staff Favorites

 & NEW STUFF!

Cast Iron Claw Foot Tub...

More Info 

Chippendale Dining Table with 2 Leaves...    

More Info

Ethan Allen Mahogany Breakfront... 
More Info 
Dresser with Mirror... 
More Info 

Eastlake Hall Stand...

More Info 

Antique Train Sink...

More Info 

Oak Kitchen Set with Granite Countertops...

More Info 

Rice Carved Queen Bed...

More Info 

American Drew Highboy...

More Info

Wooden Painted Cow...
More Info 

Large Concrete Garden Sphere...

More Info 

 

If you have feedback regarding our newsletters or social media, feel free to email [email protected].
 Forward_to_a_friend