Outstanding Nonprofit: Better Futures Minnesota

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Alex Baldwin, Waste Diversion Manager

Better Futures Minnesota is a non-profit deserving of your attention. The organization works with men returning from incarceration – they build purpose, life plans and career paths for these individuals, all while operating at the intersection of racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. Sounds intriguing, right?  We spoke with Alex Baldwin, Waste Diversion Manager, about the mission and structure of the organization, focus on environmental sustainability and how you can help – hint – they need to purchase two new hybrid trucks – can you spare $20?

Alex Baldwin

Q:  Can you explain the mission of Better Futures Minnesota and what makes your approach unique?

A:  At Better Futures Minnesota, our mission is to provide men returning from incarceration a real chance at rebuilding their lives. We combine stable employment, training, and mentorship with accountability and support so that participants aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. What makes us unique is the way we tie together social justice and environmental stewardship. We don’t just provide jobs; we connect men to meaningful work in green industries like deconstruction, recycling, and reuse - work that heals both people and the planet.

Q:  What kind of measurable impact has Better Futures had on the men you serve - and on the broader community?

A:  We primarily serve men of color because that’s where the biggest gaps exist when it comes to reentry and employment. Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands of men find stability through work, housing, and community. Many participants go on to steady employment in construction, recycling, and related industries. On the community side, our deconstruction and recycling efforts have kept thousands of tons of building materials and appliances out of Minnesota landfills. That means cleaner air, cleaner water, and less waste in our neighborhoods.

Deconstruction work breaking down a house.

Removing a roof at an exterior deconstruction site.

Appliance recycling for Hennepin County.

Q:  What types of programs or services do participants go through?

A:  Better Futures Minnesota is a four-phase model:

Phase 1: Stabilization (First 45 Days)
Every participant starts their journey with paid training. During this phase, they create an Individual Prosperity Plan, complete our Basics for Change Academy, and finish all 12 enterprise trainings and certifications. In their very first week, they earn industry-standard credentials in OSHA 10, Fall Protection, Bloodborne Pathogens, Warehouse Safety, and Hazard Training. This foundation sets them up with the skills and confidence they need to move forward.

Phase 2: Integration (4–6 Months)
Participants rotate through our four business lines: deconstruction, the ReUse Warehouse, waste diversion, and property services, all while continuing to follow their Prosperity Plan. They also begin job search activities and start setting longer-term career goals.

Phase 3: Transition (4–8 Months)
In this stage, participants work with management to determine which business line best fits their skills and interests. They continue updating their Prosperity Plan, refining their employment goals, and begin preparing for permanent job placement.

Phase 4: Mobilization (12 Months)
This is where everything comes together. Participants maintain their Prosperity Plan, secure outside employment, and continue to receive support as they step into independence and long-term stability.

Throughout every phase, each participant is paired with a life coach who provides one-on-one mentoring. Life coaches help set personal goals, whether it’s getting a driver’s license, finishing a GED, or developing everyday life skills. This blend of professional training and personal support is what makes our model unique: it’s not just about finding a job; it’s about building a foundation for a better future.

Certificate presentation!

Q: What do you think meaningful work represents in in a person’s reentry and recovery journey?

A: It’s everything. Having a paycheck matters, but having purpose matters more. Our men take pride in salvaging materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill, while helping a homeowner complete a project. That pride builds confidence, and confidence leads to stability. For many of our guys, this is the first time they’ve been trusted with responsibility, and they rise to the occasion. Work becomes not just a way to make ends meet, but a foundation for building a new life.

Q:  I noticed the words "innovative waste management and sustainability programs" on the Better Futures website. Please tell us more about these concepts in your organization.

A: That’s a big part of our identity. Instead of sending old building materials, appliances, and fixtures to the landfill, we carefully deconstruct buildings and salvage anything reusable. Those materials are resold at our ReUse Warehouse Store or recycled responsibly. It’s a win-win: fewer toxins in the environment and more affordable materials for the community. We’re one of the only organizations in Minnesota tying sustainability directly to second chances for people returning from incarceration. We also bring our ReUse Warehouse services to county transfer stations and run community programs like monthly bulky item pickups in Bloomington and organics collection in Columbia Heights.

Above and below - examples of items you will find at the ReUse Warehouse Store. 

Q:  What can the general public or private sector do to support your mission more effectively?

A:  There are so many ways to help. Homeowners and contractors can choose Better Futures deconstruction instead of demolition when remodeling. Shoppers can support us by visiting the ReUse Warehouse store and purchasing salvaged materials. We’re also launching a fundraiser to purchase two brand-new Ford Maverick Hybrid trucks. Our goal is simple: if 2,000 people each give $20, we’ll be able to replace aging vehicles with hybrids, reducing fuel use, cutting down on costly repairs, and helping us operate more sustainably.

Q:  Is there a success story that captures the essence of Better Futures’ mission?

A:  One story that always stands out is about a participant who came to us after years of incarceration. He started out in janitorial and property maintenance while in our program and discovered he had a real passion for the work. By the time he completed the program, he decided to take a leap and start his own janitorial company. Today, he’s running a successful business and building a life on his own terms.

And he’s not alone; we’ve seen so many similar stories. Our men are gaining custody of their children, becoming steady providers for their families, and finding stability through meaningful employment. These moments capture exactly what Better Futures is about: second chances that transform lives and ripple out into the community. We’re proud that some of our current managers first came to us as participants, proof that growth and leadership can come from within.

Q:  What’s next for Better Futures Minnesota? Are there any expansions, innovations, or advocacy efforts on the horizon? How may we follow your news?

A:  We’re always pushing forward. Right now, we’re looking at expanding our deconstruction services, building stronger partnerships in recycling, and advocating for policies that create real opportunities for people coming out of incarceration. We’re also excited about building more community awareness of the environmental benefits of Reuse and Deconstruction.

Folks can follow our work on our website, betterfuturesminnesota.com, or on our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. We post regular updates, stories and ways to get involved, and would love for your readers to be involved in our efforts.