Greetings! 
Just because a building has outlived its useful life doesn't mean that all of its components are also ready to retire. Many older buildings in urban and rural locations contain interesting and unique elements that can be reused or repurposed in new and different ways.
Through a process called "deconstruction," architectural and structural elements are carefully removed and salvaged before a building is demolished. Quality, historical items retain their useful and valuable properties, and even common materials find a second chance.
Deconstruction is time consuming, labor intensive and tedious. Elements that are too large to stay intact must be removed in pieces and reassembled later. Materials like flooring and dimensional lumber are extracted, de-nailed, and cut into useful, sellable lengths. Whether they are used to save money or maintain the character of another time period, repurposed or historical elements are worthy of preserving.
The historical and practical benefits of deconstruction are matched by its positive environmental impact. Deconstruction enables thousands of tons of material to be diverted from our landfills and reintroduced to enhance spaces where we live, work and play. Deconstruction is one of the few triple-bottom-line industries: it is socially responsible, financially sustainable, and environmentally friendly...and this gives Second Chance a way to fulfill its mission. From retrieving materials, to providing jobs and reducing waste, deconstruction is at the hub of our business.
To learn more about the benefits and process of donating your structure for deconstruction, please contact Mark at 410-385-1700 ext. 101 or fill out this handy webform to start the dialogue. Together, we can make a lasting difference!
-Your Second Chance Team
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INDUSTRY NEWS...
Architecture's Afterlife
We recycle everything from newspapers to automobiles, and yet we continue to pile obsolete building materials into landfills. Recent national and grassroots initiatives open the door for reuse to have a greater role in sustainable design. (Read the full article from Architect here.)
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JUST FOR FUN...
Donkey Kong Junior
 Works great...with original manuals!
Current Price = $680.
May 7 Price = $544.
Final Price = $340.
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SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY...
Let's Train Two More!
 We are now 58% 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.
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Remodeling or Demolishing?
Contact Mark to learn how deconstruction can add value to your project and our mission!
Call 410-385-1700 x 101 or
click here to email
Call 410-385-1700 x 110 or
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9am - 5pm, Monday thru Sunday
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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!
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 In addition to utilizing volunteer efforts, Second Chance staffs a variety of part- and full-time positions. We currently employ nearly 100 individuals in a variety of administrative, retail and field labor roles. There are job opportunities on our growing team for truck drivers, retail managers, sales associates, greeters/cashiers, and deconstruction superintendents.
In addition, we are now accepting applications for two key management roles. The deconstruction sales personnel use their communication talents to guide a diverse population of potential home donors through the process and benefits of partnering with us. In Addition, the retail manager will bring successful experience--ideally from a building materials background--to oversee and improve the varied operations of our 200,000 sq ft warehouse.
If you or someone you know appreciates the mission of Second Chance and may be interested in one of these fast-paced roles, please prepare a resume and/or fill out an application. Then, send one or both items to us via:
(No phone calls please. SCI is an EOE.) |
PLEASE VOTE FOR US TODAY!
(and every day through May 20th)
to have Ray Rice spend some time with job trainees deconstructing an area home, salvaging its useable materials and saving them from the landfill. Maybe he'll cap the service project at our retail center -- which is virtually in the shadow of Ravens Stadium -- with a message of encouragement for our workers?!
Our 100-Word Essay
Ray Rice has a tremendous work ethic. We admire how he gets up when knocked down, and how he knocks down barriers en route to accomplishing his goals. He's faced adversity from youth, yet presses on against all odds. This is also real life for Second Chance trainees, who have experienced barriers to employment and yet are hurdling those obstacles by learning the sustainable trade of deconstruction. Ray is a man who can understand and inspire them. His appearance and message would be meaningful, motivational and memorable. It would help give a "second chance" to Baltimoreans who deserve it. |
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Customer Testimony
The lead article gives an introduction to the process of deconstruction. It seems helpful, however, to hear from a real person whose worked with Second Chance during that process. One such recent client writes....
"We discovered Second Chance through a neighbor and donated an old farm house. The Second Chance process and charity really is a win, win, win. In our case the old farm house was in need of significant repair and update. Our win was that the Second Chance process made the most sense environmentally and financially and was the best option for us. Environmentally and financially, working with Second Chance most of the house was reclaimed. This kept many tons of material out of the local landfill. The win for Second Chance as we see it was the opportunity to showcase their deconstruction process, provide valuable training to laborers, reclaim and resell salvaged material. Finally, the Second Chance laborers win by receiving hands on training and the opportunity to be part of a team that is making a difference within the larger community both environmentally and financially.
We were very satisfied with the level of effort to reclaim material and the care that was taken to minimize disturbance to the home site. In addition, communication during to process was handled by the site foreman and project manager and was clear and concise. We are very satisfied with the process and results."
Have a review of your own to share? Please do so at GreatNonprofits or by "recommending" us on our Facebook page.
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 Staff Favorites
& NEW STUFF!
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19th Century French Bamboo Armoire...
More Info
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