CAREERS Support Solutions opened a Thrift Boutique at 208 Route 52 in Carmel, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The shop is run by volunteers and helps our clients, like Kelly Galvin from our Ambition In Motion (AIM) program pictured, get some hands-on jobs skills training. The shop will eventually provide paid internships to CAREERS clients and proceeds will help fund CAREERS programs of job training and placement for individuals with learning, intellectual, developmental, psychiatric and/or physical disabilities.
Tina Cornish-Lauria, Executive Director of CAREERS, said the new shop is within walking distance from ShopRite. “This is a great opportunity for CAREERS clients to learn retail skills such as stocking shelves, customer service and using a cash register. The shop will also allow us to provide work try-outs for students, to see where their skills and interests lie,” she explained. “We look forward to showing the public how people with disabilities perform necessary roles in the workplace and become valued team members.”
The shop accepts donations of gently used women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags, household goods, linens, pet necessities, and other items, keeping them out of landfills while providing unique and affordable treasures to all members of the community. We cannot accept children’s clothing, bathing suits, appliances, computers, books, video games, CDs, DVDs, toys, stuffed animals, musical instruments and sporting goods. All purchases and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.