Neighborhood Philanthropy: 2nd Chance MS

At Neighborhood Realty, our passion goes beyond helping people find a place to live—it’s about investing in the people who make our community feel like home. This month, we’re proud to turn our spotlight on 2nd Chance MS, an incredible Mississippi nonprofit dedicated to opening doors, creating real opportunities, and transforming lives right here in our state.

The mission of 2nd Chance MS is to raise awareness and funds for adult education and vocational skill training programs for lower-income adults in Mississippi, and provide support to the lower-income adults participating in such programs, for the purpose of helping these adults get and keep a good, stable, non-minimum-wage-earning job.

As 2nd Chance MS’s website states, “..That Mississippi ranks last in the country in the workforce participation rate, which measures the percentage of adults who are either working or looking for work. Only 52% of Mississippi adults are working. Only 31% of Mississippi’s lower income adults are currently in the workforce. And what almost every one of these non-working adult Mississippians have in common is that they lack the education, skills and credentials to get into the workforce.”‍ ‍

Established in 2016, 2nd Chance MS has provided support to over 2,196 lower income adult students in Mississippi. This support includes money for tuition, transportation assistance and, most recently, testing fees and has resulted in 847 High School Equivalencies (HIE), 532 Employable Workforce Certifications and 826 Smart Start/Career Readiness Credentials. As their website states, “The goal and expectation for these students upon their completion of these respective programs is that they either: (i) obtain good or better employment, or (ii) continue their education with the community college and obtain even more valuable and employable skills and certifications that can lead to even higher wage employment.”

Support the Cause:

2nd Chance MS hosts its annual fundraiser each year, Party on the Green. This year’s Party on the Green will take place at the Isom House (1003 Jefferson Avenue) on Thursday, September 10th from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Tickets are $75 or you can become a sponsor! Purchase tickets or learn more here.