Just like that perfect outfit, the Red Legacy thrift store is coming together.
However, Angelee Murray, founder and executive director of the non-profit, hopes to secure more funding and donations before opening the store.
“This will serve as a funding source for our organization,” Murray said.
The first major step in getting the project going was remodeling the space, which is located right next to the office. Board member Vance Shaw and his wife
Murray was so proud of the work done during the remodeling that she posted the progress on social media.
“There were over 200 hours of community service put into the project,” she said. “It was everything from tearing it all out, putting up new sheet rock, to new flooring and carpet. They also build a cash register area. They put in molding around the bottom. There was also some new lighting put in.”
This opportunity alone helped clients who volunteered learn new skills.
“They’ve learned that that can be something they can do for work,” Murray said. “It’s a job skill they can put on their resume.”
Excitement surrounding the thrift store has sparked an enormous response from the community over the past two months, she said.
“We currently have two storage units full of clothing, shoes, accessories and furniture,” Murray said. “We’ve gotten so many donations and it’s just great. We are so thankful for all the community support.”
Murray made sure to mention that Stacy Reece, owner of the Hampton thrift store Reece’s Pieces, also donated some of their clothing racks recently.
“That’s from someone who owns a business similar to what we are trying to do,” Murray said. “It really shows how much she cares about the community and the work we do here.”
Murray pointed out that the addition of a thrift store benefits not only women in the program, but the whole community.
“It’s a great way to buy nicer things for not a lot of money,” she said.
The new service will be rolled into other services already provided like recovery skills, relapse prevention, case management and certified parenting classes. The organization also currently operates a computer lab, clothing closet and hygiene closet.
“When women first enroll, they can take as much as they want from the clothing and hygiene closet,” Murray said.
After that, Murray rewards clients with Red Bucks for every counseling session or seminar they attend.
“They can use their Red Bucks to buy things out of the hygiene closet,” Murray said. “They will also be able to use the Red Bucks in the thrift store.”
The thrift store will open up more opportunities for her clients to buy more beneficial items.
“Instead of just having clothing, there may be lamps, toasters or other household items,” Murray said. “They’ve earned these things because they are doing things that will better themselves. It supports their recovery efforts. We’re real excited about that.”
Red Legacy’s mission is to “empower women in East Tennessee with the skills they need to begin a new life in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.”
Every woman should have access to a place where they can learn how to be self-confident, self-sufficient and employed.
The non-profit organization is also an official addiction recovery program for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
“Ninety nine percent of all of our clients have a history of incarceration,” Murray said.
The organization’s monthly community luncheon will be held July 7 at First Christian Church beginning at noon.
Northeast Community Credit Union will be donating funds to Red Legacy during the meeting.
“They are giving us some funds to buy some clothing racks,” Murray said. “It won’t be enough to purchase all that we need, but every little bit helps.”
The event is open to the public and a meal will be provided.
The fourth annual Red Legacy Gala is another way to get involved in helping the non-profit. It will be help Sept. 11 at the Carnegie in Johnson City.
“We are looking for sponsors,” Murray said.
Donations to Red Legacy can be brought to the office located at 713 E. Elk Ave. Murray is looking for women’s clothing of all sizes, shoes, personal care items, cosmetics, handbags and accessories. Household items are also being sought for the thrift store.