Located in the heart of Baltimore, MD, Second Chance has become a beacon of hope, sustainability, and innovation. Since its founding in 2003, our nonprofit has blended architectural salvage with job training to create a transformative enterprise that uplifts communities, reduces waste, and breathes new life into forgotten treasures.
Second Chance was founded by Mark Foster, a Baltimore native and historic home enthusiast. Driven by a passion for preservation and a desire to help underserved communities, Foster envisioned a nonprofit that would not only save architectural elements from demolition but also provide meaningful job training to individuals facing barriers to employment. From these humble beginnings, Second Chance was born, operating out of a single warehouse in Baltimore.
“Within the past 100 years, there was a degree of quality and simplicity in craftsmanship that isn’t happening today,” Mark shared. “Our philosophy is that there’s no reason for these things to go to waste.”
Second Chance quickly distinguished itself as a leader in architectural salvage. The nonprofit collaborates with demolition contractors to recover and repurpose materials from historic buildings, homes, and commercial spaces slated for demolition. The salvaged items range from ornate mantels and claw-foot bathtubs to antique doors and stained-glass windows, each with a unique story to tell.
These treasures are meticulously organized in Second Chance’s 200,000-square-foot showroom in South Baltimore. Visitors to the warehouse are often struck by the sheer variety and quality of items on display. Whether it’s the massive “MARYLAND” lettering from Cole Field House or a 19th-century bar from a historic saloon, every piece offers a glimpse into the past.
What sets Second Chance apart is its dual mission: preserving history and providing second chances to people. The nonprofit’s workforce development mission provides returning citizens, veterans, and individuals overcoming challenges like addiction or homelessness the ability to learn valuable skills such as deconstruction, retail operations, and warehousing.
Participants in the program earn a living wage while gaining hands-on experience that empower them to build stable, independent futures. Today, approximately two-thirds of Second Chance’s 250 employees are returning citizens. Their work not only supports the nonprofit’s operations but also fosters personal and professional growth.
One participant shared, “I have a new direction in life. I feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
Over the past two decades, Second Chance has grown from a modest operation to one of the largest architectural salvage nonprofits in the country. Originally located near M&T Bank Stadium, the organization moved to its permanent home on Ridgely Street in 2012, consolidating operations under one roof to enhance efficiency and expand its services.
The organization’s impact extends far beyond Baltimore. Its deconstruction crews travel across the East Coast, salvaging materials from properties as far away as Maine and Florida. In a typical year, Second Chance deconstructs 250 houses, keeping millions of pounds of material out of landfills.
Walking through Second Chance’s showroom is like stepping into a museum of American life. Each aisle is a testament to creativity, craftsmanship, and history. Iconic pieces, like the Bel-Loc Diner’s signature blue-and-white sign, are preserved not just as items for sale but as cultural touchstones.
“We’re not collectors per se,” Mark explained. “But people look fondly on these things and have shared memories. It’s about giving them a second life.”
Second Chance also hosts unique fundraising events like the “Wreckers Ball,” inviting the community to celebrate its mission while exploring its vast inventory. These events reflect the organization’s ethos of blending purpose with enjoyment.
As Second Chance continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission to create a more sustainable and equitable world. Plans include expanding its job training programs, exploring new avenues for reuse and recycling, and deepening its community partnerships. The organization’s impact is not limited to materials or individuals; it’s about fostering a culture of renewal and possibility.
Mark Foster’s words encapsulate the spirit of Second Chance: “It’s about what is and what can be. We’re not just saving items; we’re creating opportunities and transforming lives.”
Second Chance invites everyone to be part of its inspiring journey. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking unique items, a donor looking to make a meaningful contribution, or someone ready to embark on a new career path, there’s a place for you in the Second Chance community. Visit our showroom in the Sowebo neighborhood of Baltimore or explore their mission online to discover how you can contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future.