Funds will be used to expand the organization’s workforce development program for those facing employment barriers in the Baltimore area.
Second Chance, Inc. is pleased to announce that it is one of the two local recipients of a 2019 Neighborhood Builders® grant from Bank of America! The $200,000 grant was awarded at a ceremony held at the Baltimore Museum of Art in December.
Second Chance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to deconstructing buildings and homes, salvaging reusable materials, and providing job training and workforce development for those facing employment obstacles in the Baltimore region. With the funds provided by the Neighborhood Builders grant, Second Chance plans to serve 15 percent more individuals in its workforce development program to train an estimated 160 participants annually in a broader range of skills in preparation for additional deconstruction, retail and transportation positions. The organization also plans to hire a workforce training manager to serve as a case manager for all participants to better help them complete the program and reach their personal goals. Program graduates are guaranteed associate or supervisory-level employment at Second Chance, either on its deconstruction teams or in its retail location in downtown Baltimore.
“At Second Chance, we are all about giving both people and materials the opportunity to enjoy a new life and purpose, and we are incredibly grateful to have Bank of America’s support,” said Mark Foster, Second Chance founder and president. “With the Neighborhood Builders grant, we will be able to expand our training program to help many more people in and around Baltimore overcome their employment challenges and join our ‘green collar’ workforce.”
“The Neighborhood Builders program allows us to make a direct impact within the community we serve,” said Sabina Kelly, Bank of America Greater Maryland Market President. “Second Chance has made great strides in providing unique job-readiness training that is critical to so many in our community.”
Since 2004, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has helped to advance community sustainability by equipping organizations and their leaders with tools and resources to do more, including funding and leadership training.
About Second Chance, Inc.
Second Chance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to deconstructing buildings and homes, salvaging reusable materials, and providing job training and workforce development for those with employment obstacles in the Baltimore region. Second Chance is a social enterprise which, in addition to its professional deconstruction services, operates a retail location in downtown Baltimore that occupies 200,000 square feet and offers a wide selection of donated and reclaimed items and materials. Profits generated directly support the Second Chance workforce development training program, which is focused on increasing the skill levels, employability and compensation potential of all participants. Training program graduates are guaranteed associate or supervisory-level positions within Second Chance’s deconstruction services or retail operations. To learn more, please visit www.secondchanceinc.org.