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- [South Omaha]
Try the Stephen Center Thrift Store on for Size
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July 21, 2010, at 07:00 AM
Opening Day of the Thrift Store brought lots of smiling faces.
The Stephen Center
New store aims to boost funds for treatment programs
The Stephen Center at 27th and Q streets has operated a homeless shelter for 26 years, but its thrift store, at 5128 S. 24th St., is less than a year old. It is the nonprofit organization’s latest attempt at bringing in more funds to fuel its shelter and addiction treatment center.
“It’s kind of an experimental thing at this point,” said Del Bomberger, the center’s Executive Director. “I encourage people to come try us out.”
The store opened last October, after the center had collected a surplus of donations it could not use. By selling the donated items at reasonable prices, center employees reasoned they could create an additional funding stream while simultaneously providing job opportunities and resources for low income families in the area.
“It’s a community thing,” said store manager Tammy Miller, who graduated from the center’s drug treatment program less than six months ago.
Miller lived at the Stephens Center while she completed a long-term drug addiction recovery program. Like other program participants, she worked her way to recovery in phases, attending groups and classes, and eventually getting a job and paying rent.
“You work your way up,” she said. “[The recovery program] helps you learn how to live again in a positive environment.”
Now heading up the thrift store, Miller said she sees regular customers frequently.
“The prices are reasonable,” she said. “The store is clean, and it smells clean.”
According to the center’s Web site, Stephen Center clients receive vouchers for the store, which they can use to pay for needed items.
The store accepts donations, and employees and volunteers are happy to pick up donations from homes and businesses. Bomberger said the store is particularly in need of furniture and good used bedding – especially mattresses.
“In our store, there is always a demand for that,” he said.
Volunteers are also welcome. Prospective volunteers are asked to fill out a community service form at the store. After that, she assures, all assistance will be put to good use. Volunteers are especially appreciated because the store is still struggling to make ends meet.
“We’re not quite breaking even yet, but it’s close,” Bomberger said.
Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. To learn more, visit the Stephen Center or call 614-1017.
