Thrift Shop Helps Domestic Abuse Victims

By Julie M. Fidler
BATESVILLE -- Now double the size, Family Violence Prevention’s resale shop is attracting some welcome attention for the organization that helps victims of domestic abuse.

Rebecca Riley, executive director of FVP, said the shop’s new location at 1280 North St. Louis Street (next to Tool Central) has increased visibility greatly. Formerly located near the end of West Main Street in a 3,000-square foot building, the new shop fills 6,000 square feet with clothing, furniture, appliances, housewares, knick-knacks, books and anything else one might need -- all at exceptional prices.

Riley said some victims of abuse, now clients, who have received help learned about the organization through the resale shop. The shop is governed by the board of directors of Family Violence Prevention, Inc., and pays two part-time employees. A new manager, Tonya Gibson, has just been hired at the shop. She replaces LaVonda Estep, who resigned to take another job.

The rest of the store is run by eight volunteers who put in many hours. “We have some very dedicated volunteers who almost work full-time at the shop,” said Riley. “We can always use volunteers.”

With more and more donations coming in than ever, due to the visibility of the new location, the shop will need more help from those who can spend some time sifting through donations.

Donations to the shop may be made during business hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Like the previous, smaller shop, the new store houses an “awareness section.” It includes T-Shirts decorated in memory of local victims and other items in remembrance of them. “That’s necessary to reserve that space,” Riley said. “The shop serves a dual purpose. It brings in some income so we can offer services, and it spreads awareness.”

Riley said the organization’s clients are able to use clothing, furniture and other items that are donated.

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Family Violence Prevention will host its second annual dinner and silent auction April 1. The event includes a 5-course meal, prepared by a chef. Local businesses donate items for the silent auction.

Last year’s event, “Silent (No More) … Dine to End Domestic Abuse,” was sold out with 130 in attendance.

This year’s dinner will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Batesville. Tickets go on sale in February at the FVP office in the basement of the Independence County Courthouse. They are $60 each.

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This past October, FVP held its 22nd annual candlelight vigil in remembrance of victims of domestic abuse across the state. Speakers at the vigil included Jayne Ann Kita, executive director of Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

During the vigil, the names of those who died due to domestic violence in 2009 were read out loud. There were 20.

During the same month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, FVP held a family event at Riverside Park to promote awareness … a first annual Celebrate Peace Event. It targeted children and youth and included games and activities.