Help Us Help Others Thrift Store

Well, whether it's a disability or mental health, there are many people who want to work but face barriers to employment and may need a little extra help. That's where this next organization comes in. They provide the training these people need to succeed and there's a way you can help and it involves shopping. That's right. Michelle Oliver takes us to the brand new Stepthriff store in Southgate. This shop may look Stepthriff is a non-profit. We're located in Wayne County. We work with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe and persistent mental illness. They help people So I started actually at Petsmart and I was having trouble. I realized I needed some help because I couldn't keep up. So then we talked to some people and they recommended Stepthriff. Services to enhance potential. I worked in the warehouse at first, got comfortable there and then they eventually sent me here. Here being one of Stepthriff stores where managers It gives them a workspace that'safe where they can make mistakes, learn transferable skills that they can take out into the community, working as a team member, making sure that you're showing up on time, following rules. And then you have your hard skills such as learning how to take some clothing, running the register, learning how to count money, all of those things that happen in the course of operations in a store. Everyone was really nice and it was So I was able to catch on and Lauren started off working in the back, processing new items that came in. I was a little worried I always knew that those skills gave me You have somebody that has a lot of high anxiety around people being in a store might be extremely stressful. So as a staff member part of my job is to transition you into what you're uncomfortable with and to get you to become comfortable with it. She moved her way up to the register and ended up doing so well they hired her on full time. So that actually helped me with my anxiousness. It gave me the ability I'm sorry to talk to people and become more comfortable. They've gained that knowledge and they've gained that confidence that You can help them out by donating objects or by shopping. Please look about my size. $5. 99 not too bad. And the thrift store is just the tip of the iceberg when you consider all they do. So we have what we call our skill building programs our culinary arts program where people learn everything from shopping for food measuring the food and then we have the progressive art studio collective. In the end it's all about helping people achieve their goals and independence. When the light goes on and I make that connection that means more to me than anything in the world. Thank you so much. It's just to be able to feel Step has three thrift stores in Wayne County in Dearborn Heights Wayne and their newest one in Southgate where Michelle went and they accept they all accept donations. Just call ahead if you plan to donate larger items and furniture. You can find more information by checking out their story on click on Detroit dot com. Love me a good thrift store. Yeah, definitely.