Second Chance: Working Together for the Sake of Others

It’s hard to find someone in Fayette County that doesn’t know about Second Chance Emporium. And if you’ve found yourself in line, anxiously waiting for the store to open on a Friday morning, it kind of feels like everyone in La Grange just might be standing in line with you. Simply put, Second Chance is remarkable.

This resale shop opened its doors in 1996 in its original storefront location off Business 71 near the Colorado River. Hurricane Harvey and tremendous growth necessitated a new, larger location. And it continues to grow.

Since the beginning, the Second Chance has been a collaborative effort of seven local churches. These churches provide volunteers to run the store on sale days and support the good work of the dedicated staff as they process donations.

Second Chance benefits our community in three distinct ways. First, the shop accepts gently used donations that allow people to share their excess rather than add more refuse to landfills.

Second, donated items are sold at low prices so that income is not a barrier to having the essential items a family needs to survive and thrive. Vouchers are also provided to families suffering from disaster or other unexpected hardships. As prices rise on everyday items – this lower cost option is even more essential.

Third, the proceeds are invested in our local community. In 2024, over $600,000 was gifted to Fayette County charitable organizations. Organizations that provide food for the hungry, advocacy for children, affordable healthcare and educational opportunities for all.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus offers simple ways to live a faithful, generous life. He compels his listeners to be honest in their work, to be fair in their dealings with others and to live generously. Jesus says, “If you have two coats, give one away” (Luke 3:11, Pastor Jen’s paraphrased version). Second Chance offers a tangible, simple way to live generously in our community.

Another true delight of this ministry is seeing faithful people from different Christian denominations work together. Sometimes, we see Christians drawing lines in the sand, highlighting what makes their beliefs right and others wrong, rather than working together in the name of Jesus. Second Chance provides an opportunity for people to work together for the benefit of their neighbors.

Maybe this is what the Kingdom of God looks like. People giving and living generously. People finding what they need to survive and thrive in daily life. People working together for the sake of their neighbors.