By Ben
Rayner, Sound
Senior Staff Writer:
BRANFORD:
A new
thrift store has opened for business on Branford Hill and like the others in
town, it’s helping raise much needed funds to help those in need. Teen
Challenge (TC) is a non-profit, faith-based organization that is dedicated to
assisting those with addictions and all life-controlling issues, from eating
disorders to addictions.
Volunteer
Nadja Cardona said the new location has been quite successful and they are
hoping to announce a grand opening in the coming weeks.
“People are
starting to pour in–they have found us,” said Cardona. “We have a lot of
furniture here and people really like that. We can pick up furniture for free,
we just have to schedule it. We love to see donations and we hope people will
patronize the store and become comfortable with us.”
TC offers a
wide array of services, including recovery programs, residential care,
mentoring, and referrals. The shop was in East Haven
for seven years, but moved after the construction of the new Home Depot and
now, with more space and a bigger staff, the organization is rededicating
itself to the local communities.
Manager
Ivette Mastrobuono, who has been with TC for 26 years, said the lives that are
touched and helped by the organization. Most important, despite the name Teen
Challenge, it caters to adults and youth and the center is not exclusive in
either donations or sales to any age group.
“We are
really a resource center above all,” said Mastrobuono. “We want it to be
something that helps students and families. Instead of closing a door we open a
door. Our services are free and we raise our funds through sales and donations.
And we take all donations for any age and any child, there is no ‘teen’
restrictions. We have a full compliment for every age and taste.”
Teen
Challenge is a faith-based organization started in 1958 by pastor David
Wilkerson, renowned for his work with New
York City youth and especially gangs. His exploits
were recounted in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade, and his
work has inspired these centers across the globe.
“The book
has been an inspiration for so many and we encourage people to read it,” said
Mastrobuono. “Our volunteers are often clients and we assist in training them
for jobs and in social skills.”
Since 1958
TC has changed thousands of lives, in more than 170 centers across the country
and on six continents. Mastrobuono said the example set by Wilkerson, to help
those with addictions and other life-controlling issues, is their main mission.
Teen
Challenge is located at 785 West Main Street and is open Monday Through
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donations drop off hours are Monday Through Friday
10 a.m., to 5 p.m. For more information call the shop at 203-483-3124 or visit
www.teenchallengeusa.com.