A new thrift store, Super Thrift, is set to enhance the community spirit on West Broadway in Missoula while empowering women in recovery. The store, managed by Adult & Teen Challenge Missoula, is scheduled to open its doors on Monday, providing a platform for women involved in a year-long recovery program to gain valuable work experience.
Empowering Women Through Employment
Deanna Cook, a graduate of the program who now serves as the store manager, emphasizes the significant impact that work has had on her recovery journey. “I struggled with addiction for twenty-two years,” Cook shared, reflecting on her past. “Coming in and being able to work every day, it was amazing.”
Adult & Teen Challenge adopts a vocational approach in supporting recovery, with participants working in the thrift store for three days each week. Cook noted that she had never experienced a strong work ethic before joining the program, stating, “I never really had a work attitude, but once I surrendered a lot of things I was able to focus on what really matters in life.”
Supporting the Recovery Program
The initiative not only helps the women gain skills but also provides crucial financial support for the program. According to Executive Director Jamie Rindal, it costs $4,000 monthly for a woman to participate, and funds generated from the thrift store are essential. “We don’t ask them for money, but we do need money, so this is a part that funds part of our program,” Rindal explained.
A High Success Rate
The program boasts a 78% success rate in helping women maintain sobriety after graduation. Cook attributes much of her success to the supportive environment fostered by the staff. “Coming into a place where there is family, communion, and grace makes a huge difference in someone’s walk,” she said. “I really owe it to the staff and the people who lifted me up when I was at my lowest.”
Looking Forward
As the opening day approaches, excitement is palpable among the staff and volunteers. “We’re all excited here,” Cook remarked. “We have so many working hands, so many people helping us, and a lot of prayers poured into this place.”
Super Thrift will officially open its doors this coming Monday, marking a significant step not only for the women in recovery but also for the Missoula community as a whole.
