Second Chances offers a sustainability-focused way to empower your Neighbors
Published April 2024
Ever wonder what happens to the clothes you donate to a clothing drive? Or drop off in donation bins you see across the city?
In celebration of Earth Month, read on to learn how, with environmental sustainability in mind, Second Chances founder Andrea Shapiro harnessed her textile knowledge and non-profit involvement to fill the gap between excess donations and those in need.
Tell us a little bit about Second Chances!
Second Chances puts donated clothing to work for our community by diverting clothing, shoes, and accessories from local landfills while helping neighbors take their first steps toward brighter futures.
Every year, Second Chances provides free, esteem-building clothing and gift cards to 500+ unsheltered and lower-income neighbors; distributes approximately 4,000 pairs of new socks and underwear; and diverts more than 300,000 pounds of textiles from landfill.
What inspired you to start a business? How did this feeling grow once you actually started your business?
After the closure of a free clothing provider in 2003, local shelter and service providers had difficulty getting clothing for their clients. At the time, I was consulting with local organizations that received regular offers of wonderful clothing. These organizations did not have staff time or storage to sort and use the clothing, and would end up with conference rooms and closets filled with it!
Knowing that appearance and self-esteem are important elements in finding housing, participating in job training programs, and accessing benefits, I drew on my relationships and involvement in the Somerville and Cambridge nonprofit community—plus three generations of family experience in clothing and textiles—to develop an innovative and effective program to meet an important local need.
What aspect of your business makes you most proud to be a business leader in our community?
Second Chances is proud to be part of Somerville’s vibrant and effective nonprofit community. We've played a leadership role in SomervilleCAN (Somerville Community Agencies Network), a collaboration of local nonprofits working to strengthen their impact through shared resources.
We're grateful for our longstanding, deep relationships with our nonprofit and government partners, which enables us to support the work of local organizations that specialize in shelter, housing, and social services.
We simultaneously engage our community in recycling clothing and textiles to promote sustainability and honor our planet, while providing much needed clothing for all ages and genders.
How do you #LoveUnionSquare?
As both a long-time resident and business owner, I frequent our Union Square restaurants and businesses as much as possible. I often introduce friends, colleagues, and family to our wonderful Square. I appreciate neighbors and community partners who live and work in Union Square and work to build relationships as neighbors, business owners, and nonprofit leaders.
While Union-based, Second Chances does not have a public-facing storefront. Connect with their team via their website or social media including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
While you plan your Spring cleaning this month, head to one of Second Chances’ donation locations to pay it forward.