Approximately thirty members of the NAIOP Maryland Developing Leaders group removed nails from lumber, moved around and arranged merchandise, sorted lumber and helped out where necessary at the non-profit Second Chance facility in Baltimore City last week. The effort was arranged as part of the Developing Leaders regular Community Service endeavors. A $2500 donation was also made to the organization on behalf of NAIOP Maryland.

“The presence of the NAIOP Maryland Developing Leaders is fantastic support for the organization, as we have so much do accomplish out there on a daily basis,” stated Mark Foster, Executive Director and Founder of Second Chance.

Second Chance is involved with workforce development and job training for the most disadvantaged residents of Baltimore City, including returning citizens and ex-offenders. “We strive to provide program participants with skills sets in retail, transportation and deconstructing buildings, as well as life skills including financial literacy,” Foster added. “Hopefully we can get them back on the path of sustainable employment.”

“It was a fantastic experience for the group,” explained Spencer Perry, Chair of the Developing Leaders Committee. “We thoroughly enjoyed working with the employees of Second Chance as well as interacting with the participants of the program. Everyone hadan upbeat attitude all day.”

Merritt Properties donated pizza at the event.