2025 Community Report

Second Chances, alongside generous donors and compassionate community partners, removes barriers to success, empowers communities, and protects the planet – one piece of clothing at a time.

20 Years of Empowering Second Chances

For two decades, your partnership and support have had an incredible impact on our neighbors, community, and environment. Since 2005, Second Chances has:

  • Supported 7,552 individuals with free clothing, shoes, and accessories.
  • Kept 3,391,003 pounds of used clothing and textiles in circulation and out of landfills.
  • Partnered with 36 local nonprofits, organizations, and community programs, helping them focus on their core missions.
  • Distributed 17,926 pairs of new socks and underwear, meeting a vital and often overlooked need.

Behind each of these impressive numbers is a story: of a client confidently walking into a job interview, a student starting school with pride, a domestic violence survivor finding the strength to rebuild. Together, we’re helping people and clothing find second chances for success while minimizing textile waste and honoring the Earth’s natural resources.

Our community is facing instability and uncertainty. As always, those who are already vulnerable feel it the most. In these times, the people we serve and our partners remind us every day:

Our wellbeing comes from community.
From connection.
From compassion.
From our shared humanity.

And it’s what continues to carry us forward.

Our 20th anniversary has offered an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve achieved and look ahead at what we can keep doing together.

Thank you for standing by Second Chances and the neighbors we serve. Thank you for helping us deliver not just necessary clothing, but dignity, strength, and hope.

You make all the difference.

With deep gratitude,

Andrea Shapiro
Founder & CEO

20 Years of Second Chances: A Timeline

This is a scrolling timeline of Second Chances 2005-2025
2005 - Second Chances is founded to provide free clothing to neighbors in need while reducing textile waste.
2006 – Gentle Giant Moving Company becomes our lead in-kind services donor, moving our first four outdoor clothing donation bins to locations throughout our community.
2009 – We surpass 150,000 pounds of clothing diverted from landfills, serving the clients of six local nonprofits.
2011 – We serve our 2,000th neighbor in need with a carefully selected bundle of clothing, shoes, and accessories.
2013 – We expand and strengthen partnerships with 15 local shelters and service providers, increasing access to clothing for homeless and low-income residents.
2015 – We celebrate our 10th anniversary by investing in 10 new clothing donation bins to expand our reach across Cambridge and Somerville, making it easier for community members to contribute.
2017 – Bombas begins donating socks, becoming our lead in-kind clothing donor and providing thousands of pairs of new socks each year. Bombas deepens its partnership in 2022 with the addition of donated underwear and undershirts.
2020 – Our impact doubles during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, reaching more of the most vulnerable members of our community, ensuring dignity and stability during unprecedented times.
2021 – Selected as a Cummings Foundation grantee, securing consistent, multi-year support for continued growth and impact.
2023 – We serve our 7,000th client, providing free clothing, shoes, and accessories across Cambridge and Somerville through 25 mission-driven partners.
We celebrate 20 years of service, with 3,391,003 pounds of clothing reused and recycled, 7,500+ community members served, and more than 600 volunteer-led corporate and community clothing drives.

Celebrating 20 Years of Second Chances

For more videos from the event visit:

This spring, we gathered with more than 125 sponsors, partners, volunteers, and community members to celebrate Second Chances’ 20th anniversary – together, generously raising $75,000 to fuel our future!

Left to right: Andrea Shapiro (Second Chances) with Jason Mikell (WBZ-TV meteorologist and event emcee) at Second Chances’ 20th Anniversary Celebration in April 2025.

We appreciate:

We were proud to present awards recognizing the contributions of several of the incredible people and partners who make our work possible:

  • John McQuillan, Jr. and Triumvirate Environmental for 20 years of steadfast partnership
  • Korinne Manders for her dedicated volunteer service
  • Daniele Levine for her powerful impact in our shared community

It was an unforgettable night of celebration, gratitude, and community. We are deeply thankful to everyone who joined us and to the many individuals and organizations who have served alongside Second Chances for the past 20 years.

Celebrating 20 years of impact – our anniversary gathering was a joyful opportunity to gather with friends, partners, and neighbors to honor the power of community and collaboration, and to showcase what we can accomplish when we support one another. Photos courtesy of Jenna Joyce.

Provider Profile

Ahead of the new school year, we learned that the Somerville Public Schools’ clothing closets urgently needed new socks and underwear. Thanks to our partners and supporters, students across nine schools now have access to these essentials. This simple resource helps them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.

Our Partners

Our work is not possible without our partners. Second Chances works with 26 local organizations, including shelters, service providers, hospitals, housing authorities, and municipalities.

Partner Profile: Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services

For more than 50 years, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) has helped older adults and people with disabilities remain safe and independent in their own homes.

Since 2013, Second Chances has partnered with SCES case managers to ensure their clients have the clothing, shoes, and accessories they need.

Our staff delivers clothing to more than 25 Cambridge and Somerville partners – including SCES – so clients can look and feel their best.

Alicia, a client, had not changed her clothing since January – a reflection of both her circumstances and the challenges she faced. That shifted when she received a clothing bundle from Second Chances. Now, she proudly shows off her “outfit of the day” to her support worker with renewed dignity and joy.

This story sits at the heart of SCES’s and Second Chances’ missions: providing practical support as well as opportunities for self-expression, hope, and connection.

“We’re grateful to partner with Second Chances, whose team not only provides much-needed seasonal apparel but also deeply understands the connection between clothing and self-expression. By honoring our clients’ preferences whenever possible, they help us deliver on our mission of ensuring older adults can age with dignity,” said Jeremy Bratt, SCES Director of Development.

Second Chances is thankful for partners like SCES who share our commitment to help neighbors live with safety, comfort, respect, and pride.

Client Profile

Jess was working with a support provider to rebuild her life, preparing for job fairs and interviews. But the arrival of the cooler season brought a practical and significant challenge: having the right clothes. When she received a thoughtfully assembled bundle, it was more than just clothes – it was a boost of confidence, dignity, and warmth. Each piece empowered her with the reassurance she needed to continue toward stability and self-sufficiency.

Volunteer Profile: Maria Montgomery, Berkshire Bank

Nearly ten years ago, Maria Montgomery first connected with Second Chances by hosting a clothing drive at her workplace.

“From the start, I was inspired by Second Chances’ commitment to fostering dignity and opportunity for people in need in our own community,” Maria shared.

When she transitioned to a new role at Berkshire Bank (now operating as a division of Beacon Bank & Trust), Maria was excited to bring Second Chances along as a community partner, introducing her colleagues to our mission. This year, Maria deepened her commitment by chairing our 20th Anniversary Event Planning Committee.

“Through Berkshire Bank’s financial and volunteer support of nonprofit organizations, I’ve been fortunate to continue my involvement with Second Chances – organizing clothing drives, stuffing envelopes, volunteering at events, and most recently, serving as Chair of the 20th Anniversary Event Planning Committee. The event was a powerful celebration of community and shared purpose. Supporting Second Chances is more than volunteerism; it’s a meaningful partnership built on shared values.”

​We are deeply grateful to Maria for her volunteerism, leadership, and partnership, and appreciate Berkshire Bank’s ongoing support of our mission.

Left image: Maria and her Berkshire Bank colleagues host annual clothing drives supporting Second Chances’ partners and clients. Right image: Maria Montgomery (left) and David Coughlin (right) from Berkshire Bank enjoying Second Chances’ 20th anniversary celebration

Top image: Maria and her Berkshire Bank colleagues host annual clothing drives supporting Second Chances’ partners and clients. Bottom image: Maria Montgomery (left) and David Coughlin (right) from Berkshire Bank enjoying Second Chances’ 20th anniversary celebration

Get Involved

Second Chances depends on 75+ skilled, motivated, and creative volunteers each year. You can participate in many of our volunteer opportunities right in your own community, workplace, or gathering place. We occasionally have in-person opportunities at the Second Chances office, as well.

Get in touch about volunteering or other ways to support our neighbors.

Client Profile

Mark faced the harsh realities of homelessness and unemployment before beginning treatment. The simple, yet powerful gift of clean, everyday clothing reignited his sense of self-worth, marking the beginning of change. His bundle included professional outfits that filled him with confidence to walk into job interviews with his head held high. These clothes became more than outfits – they symbolized a fresh start and a crucial step towards a new chapter.

Special Appreciation

Our generous community (that’s you) makes helping people and clothing find second chances possible. We are grateful to the hundreds of compassionate donors for their funding, clothing, accessories, gift cards, and other goods; charitable clothing drive hosts; dedicated and skilled volunteers; and the many talented colleagues and advisors who offered us free and discounted services. Thank you!

Special gratitude to our sponsors and funders for their financial support this year.

You can help our neighbors find strength, community, and stability as a sponsor, funder, or individual donor. Every dollar donated empowers members of our community by providing clothing that helps them feel confident, valued, and ready to chase their goals.

Client Profile

Michelle left a domestic violence situation with only the clothes on her back. As she began to rebuild her life, she received a bag filled with essentials – new socks, pants, shirts, and sneakers – to give her a fresh start. Having these basics helped her step into the world with confidence. Sometimes, something as simple as a bag of clothing can bring hope, dignity, and the courage to keep moving forward.