JRDS opens thrift store

Jay-Randolph Developmental Services recently opened Alley 58 Thrift Store as a way of both teaching its clients job skills and getting them work experience that can be placed on their resumes when seeking employment. 

The store is located at the JRDS facility at 974 E. Base Road in Winchester. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Items may be donated from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the organization’s Randolph and Jay county locations.

In addition to donated items, the store also sells t-shirts and other assorted items made by JRDS clients.

“The clients love working in the store,” said thrift store coordinator Kristi Brown. “Their favorite part is sorting through all of the items that are brought in. They also enjoy being out in the public and meeting customers.”

The money made from the thrift store goes to paying wages of the clients who work at the store.

“This helps our clients experience what it is like to have a job, and give them skills that they can use when obtaining a job,” said Brown.

The name Alley 58 pays homage to the history of JRDS.

“In the 1950s, special needs kids were often not allowed to attend the public schools,” explained Brown. “A group of parents got together and formed a school for children with Down syndrome in an alley in Portland named Pink Alley.

In 1958, the organization that would become JRDS became involved. Over the years, the organization has evolved to include clients with a variety of other conditions and needs.”

JRDS is dedicated to providing quality services that empower their clients to overcome barriers while transforming their personal abilities to help them achieve their full potential as a valued and productive member of society.

“If all goes well, we are also hoping to open a store in Portland as well,” said Brown.