July 2015
 Issue No. 48

 

 
As the temperatures rise outside, so our organization's internal thermometer does as well!  For instance, workers at Second Chance Inc were recently warmed up by a visit from Maryland Senator Benjamin Cardin. 

Job training, environmental stewardship, workforce development, citizen (ex-offender) re-entry, and *hope* were key themes at the Second-chance hosted roundtable. Among other insights, Senator Ben Cardin noted: "Second Chance is strengthening Baltimore by giving people a Second Chance. We need to duplicate their success across the U.S. .... America cannot afford to give up on people. Second Chance shows why we should never give up."  

 

Last month's press release from the Senator's office aptly sums up the encouraging encounter, which is already proving to have lasting benefits:

 

BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) yesterday joined the leaders, partners and staff of Second Chance, Inc. to discuss how unique ventures in social enterprise like those underway at the innovative non-profit organization housed inside a sprawling former factory could help answer some of the myriad challenges faced in today's inner cities. In a roundtable conversation that centered on the organization's efforts to hire and train people from adverse backgrounds in the fields of deconstruction, architectural salvage and customer service, Senator Cardin heard first-hand accounts from four employees with criminal backgrounds who had turned around their lives following the opportunities afforded them by Second Chance.

 

"It never ceases to amaze me what people can do when they are given even the smallest glimmer of hope, and I saw that transformative power on display at Second Chance. If you want to see people from some incredibly challenging backgrounds turning their lives around, visit them in South Baltimore. Second Chance isn't only equipping people with the skills needed for 'green-collar' jobs, it's helping communities renew themselves," said Senator Cardin. "It's also a lot of fun to shop there - their retail space is huge and filled to overflowing with every piece of architectural salvage you can think to list." 

 

Organizations that partner with Second Chance, including the Living Classrooms Foundation and Maryland New Directions, also joined yesterday's discussion, which touched upon ways that the organization's success could continue to grow and potentially be duplicated elsewhere.

 

"There isn't a single member of the United States Senate who hasn't received a second chance at one point or another," said Senator Cardin. "If we want to reduce recidivism and truly allow people to re-establish their lives after a criminal conviction, we must allow Americans who have served their time to reintegrate fully by seeking gainful employment in our communities. That's what Second Chance does for Baltimore, providing job training and real-world opportunities for its staff. Along the way, they learn a number of fundamental life skills and develop professional references, a first for many. The importance of these things to someone trying to re-enter society is difficult to overestimate."

 

While folks crank up the A/C in the weeks ahead, with your support we'll keep cranking out meaningful second chances for people, things and the environment! 

-Your Second Chance Team 
CEO Mark Foster explains Second Chance, Inc. to Sen. Cardin
CEO Mark Foster further explains Second Chance to Sen. Cardin.
FORT McHENRY BRICKS

Get an exact copy of the bricks that defend Fort McHenry! In June of 1994, Congress allocated $3 million to restore the cracked and crumbling walls of Fort McHenry. The order of bricks needed for this task was the second largest for a masonry project in Baltimore history (Oriole Park at Camden Yards was the largest). Second Chance has recently acquired the ununsed portions of that brick order. Each brick is stamped "1994" to commemorate the year of the renovation.  
Sale Price: $1.00 each - Large quantity discounts
HOUSE OF CARDS

These chairs from the hit show "House of Cards" are sold, but we have a few more items hot off the set!  

TIME TO CHILL...
With this Kitchen Aide Wine Cooler!  Item #89006
Burlap Bonanza
$2.75 each - Item #87158
Oh, the nifty  things you can do with these bags!
 
Sassy Sideboard
Huge Jacobean Revival Sideboard - Item #88102  
Cookie Jar Or....?
22" Hongshi Chinese Jar

RETAIL WAREHOUSE 

OPEN DAILY!

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

410-385-1700


There are many ways for individuals & groups to serve.  See examples & contact us here.
Special Need:
Those with carpentry skills to help build store displays.
Remodeling or Demolishing?  
Contact us to learn how deconstruction can add value
to your project and our mission!
Call 410-385-1700, fill this out, or email.
 
   
Have furniture, appliances, cabinets, materials, tools,
vehicles or other items you can do without?
Call 410-385-1700 x 110, fill this out, or email.
(Donation tax receipt provided!) 


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IN THE NEWS
Seeking Solutions with Sen. Ben Cardin
CTV's Byron Scott reports on Baltimore- based Second Chance on the occasion of Sen. Cardin's visit.
Maryland Unites: Day of Service!
 maryland state flag
Governor Larry Hogan announced this initiative so state employees can offer their time and talents to benefit others. This stems in part from "the outpouring of kindness and good will from Maryland citizens following acts of destruction in Baltimore City last month." As part of the day, state employees have four hours of paid leave to volunteer with an accredited 501(c)(3) like Second Chance! Let us know if you or your group would like to impact Baltimore by serving here.
IN THE FIELD

Sometimes, we bring out the big guns to save homes from the landfill!  Contact us to learn about the social, environmental, financial and historical benefits of choosing deconstruction over demolition.
ON THE ROAD 
It may have been too "used" for Ryder, but we'll gladly give this box truck a "second chance" in our fleet of mobile-job-creation-vehicles! (Donations of quality vehicles accepted for tax deductions.) 

Click the Pic for More Info!  
It's that Time of Year...
BABY GRAND PIANO

Mint Condition
5' 1" 1988 Gloss Ivory; Model WG-51
Mfr. Young Chang = $5,850

Semi-Circle Seating

Sectional couch from Harbor East - Item #92189   
Ice Bath, Anyone?

Lots of Tubs - Various Prices & Conditions

Cast Stone
Unique garden decorations and planters! 
Treasure Chest
Antique Dome Topped Trunk - Item #90062 
Magnificent Stained Glass
 
Excellent condition and meticulous craftsmanship!
45" x 126"
Give a Gift
 to Retrain, Reclaim & Renew

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Click above to give securely via credit card, bank account or PayPal.
Use this to contribute cash, stocks, vehicles, etc.
 
Every gift... 
...provides real second chances,   

...is fully tax-deductible, and

...is deeply appreciated by many!     

  

Some of the 40 volunteers from AmeriCorps getting the job done right!
If you have feedback or questions regarding our newsletters, website, social media, events, scheduling a Second Chance speaker or using our facility for your next group meeting, feel free to email Pete Theodore.