Career Journey
Nonprofit Helps Women in Recovery
Find Self-Sufficiency and Renewed Confidence
An Interview with Lisa Roeberg, Executive Director of Second Chance Initiative
February 2022
Lisa Roeberg
Photo Courtesy: Second Chance Initiative
Photo Courtesy: Second Chance Initiative
Behind an unassuming storefront in a strip mall in Boca Raton, Florida, women who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction can find a nurturing workplace, organizational skills, social support, and self-confidence to reenter the world with Second Chance Initiative. Since its founding in 2018, this nonprofit has provided 66 women with a true second chance.
Its founder, Keely Copeland, says, “I founded our organization based on my own experience: I got sober in 2010, but struggled to find a job that was safe (no more tending bar) and willing to hire me. I had a DUI record and a year-long gap on my resume from my time in treatment.”
Another woman had given her a second chance, but Copeland subsequently envisioned a different way to help women in the same position who faced obstacles to employment. Second Chance Initiative is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit primarily funded by selling customized mugs on Etsy.
Its founder, Keely Copeland, says, “I founded our organization based on my own experience: I got sober in 2010, but struggled to find a job that was safe (no more tending bar) and willing to hire me. I had a DUI record and a year-long gap on my resume from my time in treatment.”
Another woman had given her a second chance, but Copeland subsequently envisioned a different way to help women in the same position who faced obstacles to employment. Second Chance Initiative is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit primarily funded by selling customized mugs on Etsy.
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In its highly efficient office, the women of Second Chance process the mug orders, fabricate the mugs using high-heat transfer machines, and pack and ship the mugs all over the country. Because space is at a premium and bubble wrap is bulky, they inflate the bubble wrap that protects the mugs in transit on an as-needed basis, using a specialized machine, and hand assemble the mailing boxes (which arrive stacked flat). Dozens of blank mugs are stored in cubbies according to handle color. Each mug is packaged with a small flyer that documents a client’s story. On one, Connie says she’s survived “addiction, trauma, depression/anxiety, eating disorder, homelessness and incarceration.” She says she’s using her second chance to “thrive rather than survive” and wishes others “the courage never to give up.” On another, Carly says she survived addiction. She’s using her second chance to “move forward knowing I am not defined by my past,” and wishes others “a second chance when you most need one." |
Photo Courtesy: Second Chance Initiative
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Note from Co-Associate Editor Carol Lippert Gray: I can attest to this process because I’ve been volunteering at Second Chance for several months, and I can say that I’m now an experienced mug sorter, bubble wrap inflater, and box assembler, packer and sealer. Everyone I’ve met there has been unfailingly friendly, cheerful and motivated. All, including the staff, are in recovery.
Carol interviewed Lisa Roeberg, the executive director for the past year and a half, to learn more. Lisa came to the organization after successfully managing retail stores.
What drew you to this organization?
I always had an affinity for fundraising, nonprofits, and giving back to the community. This is a great opportunity to bring together my skills. Personally, I’m a single mother and understand the value of and need for second chances. Here, I can mentor and coach women on their path to self-sufficiency.
Carol interviewed Lisa Roeberg, the executive director for the past year and a half, to learn more. Lisa came to the organization after successfully managing retail stores.
What drew you to this organization?
I always had an affinity for fundraising, nonprofits, and giving back to the community. This is a great opportunity to bring together my skills. Personally, I’m a single mother and understand the value of and need for second chances. Here, I can mentor and coach women on their path to self-sufficiency.
Women Find their Power
Photo Courtesy: Second Hand Initiative |
Where do you find candidates for the program?
Most women come to us on referral through another woman who went through our program. There are some referrals from community agencies. Most start very part-time but are truly willing to receive a second chance. They’re willing to move forward and have a positive attitude. For some, it’s a brand-new first job. Others come with a long history and work experience but can’t go back to their former job because it may be too stressful, it may involve travel, or because it isn’t conducive to maintaining [a focus] on recovery. How many have you helped since 2018? We’ve helped 66 women. Twelve are on staff. Twelve celebrated a one-year anniversary of sobriety with our program. They’ve provided over 25,000 work hours as they maintain sobriety and receive paychecks. They contribute as much to us as we do to them. |
There’s such a need in our community. South Florida is the recovery capital of the world, with over 450 centers. That’s a lot of people needing jobs. Right now, we’re working on a wait list. But we welcome all interested women to apply.
Women are the core of the family. We’re helping not just her but her entire family.
Women are the core of the family. We’re helping not just her but her entire family.
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Why mugs?
Our founder, Keely, was always looking for inspiring messages and started putting them on coffee mugs. We had pottery mugs at the beginning, but they were too time-consuming to make, so we switched to ceramic mugs. We’ve sold 42,000 products so far and will be expanding our product line this year. Are all employees required to complete the program? Going through the program allows them to empathize with and understand each other. It builds camaraderie and support. The women can be themselves. They don’t have to lie and say they’re taking the dog to the vet if they need a mental health day. We value honesty and putting yourself first, so we provide flexibility.
This is more than just a job, and we consider it a safe job. There’s no going out for drinks after work. The women are supportive of one another. |
Mugs for Sale
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What does the organization mean to you?
It’s so rewarding to see women blossom and flourish and move forward in their lives. I value work-life balance and enjoy teaching others how to find that.
You asked a number of questions about me personally, but please know that for me it is always about the women we serve at Second Chance Initiative!
How do you envision the future of the organization?
We’re looking to grow and expand. We’d like to be THE place where women go to balance work and recovery.
How can people help?
People can shop with us online (link below). They can volunteer and work side-by-side with women in recovery. And they can support us financially. A traditional business model doesn’t always work in terms of what we do.
Where do you, a professional woman and mother of two teens, find sanctuary?
I find sanctuary with my family. That’s where I get my energy for my job.
It’s so rewarding to see women blossom and flourish and move forward in their lives. I value work-life balance and enjoy teaching others how to find that.
You asked a number of questions about me personally, but please know that for me it is always about the women we serve at Second Chance Initiative!
How do you envision the future of the organization?
We’re looking to grow and expand. We’d like to be THE place where women go to balance work and recovery.
How can people help?
People can shop with us online (link below). They can volunteer and work side-by-side with women in recovery. And they can support us financially. A traditional business model doesn’t always work in terms of what we do.
Where do you, a professional woman and mother of two teens, find sanctuary?
I find sanctuary with my family. That’s where I get my energy for my job.
Founder Keely Copeland Talks About the Inspiration Behind Second Chance Initiative:
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Lisa Roeberg serves as executive director of Second Chance Initiative, a local and rapidly growing nonprofit social enterprise which creates jobs for women in recovery.
After a successful career leading teams of flagship retail locations for Limited Brands, Giorgio Armani, and other major brands, she began volunteering and refocused on her passion for supporting the local community and coordinating events in support of The March of Dimes and other nonprofits. Lisa then pivoted the trajectory of her own career path to achieve work-life balance and led community engagement and development for the Arthritis Foundation of South Florida. Lisa is a single parent who understands how crucial it is to balance work, life, wellness and family. She is passionate to help women in recovery transform their lives onto a path of self-sufficiency. |
Carol Lippert Gray is an award-winning public relations professional and longtime freelance writer and editor. Her career has spanned books, newspapers, magazines, broadcast, and online media in fields as diverse as crafts and corporate finance, parenting and philanthropy. She is Co-Associate Editor for Sanctuary.
