By Ms. Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
Hope Connection International, a local faith-based non-profit dedicated to empowering survivors of abuse and addiction, has issued an urgent appeal to the community after being forced to close the Déjà Vu Thrift and Hope Connection thrift store. The store has been closed until further notice due to significant structural issues with its building, putting the organization in a state of crisis. The non-profit is seeking to raise approximately $27,000 within the next week to cover the costs of the necessary repairs and reopen its doors. The thrift store is a critical component of Hope Connection’s mission, which provides free support groups, education, long-term housing, and tailored recovery solutions for individuals, particularly young people, healing from trauma.
"Hurting people hurt people," the organization's philosophy states. "Our philosophy is to help young people through the healing process from whatever issues have hindered them in life so that they become healthy, well-adjusted, contributing members of society."
The sudden closure of the thrift store jeopardizes the organization's ability to fund these vital community programs. In a direct appeal for support, the organization highlighted the power of collective, small-scale giving, noting that if everyone they've reached out to "donates five dollars, we'll actually meet our goal." Community members wishing to contribute to the emergency repair fund can make a donation of any amount through the organization's website at www.hope-connection.org. For further questions or to offer support, Hope Connection International’s founder, Deborah Barkett, can be contacted via email at [email protected]. Hope Connection International (HCI) is a multi-faceted recovery and prevention center that connects with organizations worldwide to empower survivors of abuse and addiction by offering free support groups, education, and sponsorships with tailored solutions, along with supportive, long-term housing.
