Nonprofit store HANDmeUPs Thrift, Dedicated to Hiring Individual with Autism and/or other Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Opens in North Raleigh
HANDmeUPs Thrift, a non-profit thrift store selling gently used quality clothing celebrated its Grand Opening on August 29th in Litchford Village in North Raleigh. There was a huge crowd on hand as Litchford Village Shopping Center came together to provide food, fun and entertainment! The store’s unique mission is to create jobs and volunteer /training opportunities for older teens and adults with Autism and/or intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD).
In Wake County, it is estimated that about 70% of adults with IDD are not employed. These individuals are capable and interested in working, yet have difficultly securing employment. HANDmeUPs is part of the non-profit, The Power of the Dream, who recognized the tremendous lack of job opportunities in the Triangle area. They were determined to address that void by creating a store that could employ this population, hence HANDmeUPs Thrift Store was opened. At HandmeUPs the goal is to hire these individuals for the various jobs, within the store, as well as advocate for/with them, thereby strengthening their ties to the community. To date the store provides part-time volunteer opportunities for 40 volunteers. The volunteers love to have a place to put their skills to work and learn marketable skills at the same time.
The store directors are Gena Brown and Jeff Fleming; both have many years expertise working with individuals with disabilities and thrift store environments. Both Gena and Jeff have agreed to forego salaries until the store begins to earn enough to start hiring volunteers as paid employees. Gena states, ”We know, if given the opportunity, these individuals will show the community their abilities. We at HandmeUPs ask you to join us, make a difference in the community, and give a HAND UP by donating your hand-me-downs. Your donations and patronage allow us to employ individuals many others see as unemployable.” Orah Raia, parent of Brian, a young man with fragile x syndrome, and a member of the Power of the Dream Board of Directors commented, “This venture is much needed in our community as it is so difficult to find employers who are willing to take a chance with adults with developmental disabilities. In reality, the employers who do find they are some of the most dedicated workers they can ever imagine.”
With the store now open, they are in need of donations – quality clothing, toys, furniture, and other household items. You can drop donations at their store (8320 Litchford Rd. Raleigh, Suite 102) from 10am to 6pm Monday- Saturday.
HANDmeUPs is part of The Power of the Dream Inc., a 501c3 non-profit. All donations are tax deductible.
More information can be found on at www.handmeupsthrift.org or contact the numbers below:
Orah Raia Gena Brown:
The Power of the Dream Board Secretary Director, HANDmeUPs Thrift Store
(919) 650-3160 (919) 876-5750
