Ginnie Graham: Family & Children's Services adding thrift store to counter cuts

Armani suits and Tommy Bahama dresses could benefit the 1 in 6 Tulsans who get help from Family & Children's Services.

That's about how many people seek one of the 53 programs in mental health, substance abuse and family services offered through the nonprofit social service provider.

It's been a tough year financially for Oklahoma nonprofits, particularly those who have contracts with state agencies. Family & Children's Services was notified it would lose a $775,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services due to multiple state revenue failures.

The financial uncertainty in the state had officials and staff at the nonprofit working on ways to expand its income base. They decided on a thrift store.

The Family & Children's Services Thrift Store will open Aug. 26 at 724 S. Utica Ave. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Spokeswoman Dee Harris said the store touches on several needs of the nonprofit and has been in planning since January.

While it will offer bargains on quality items to the public, it will also give work opportunities for clients in programs such as Women in Recovery. Clients in need of clothing or household items will be able to access store merchandise.

"It fits in with our mission so well and diversifies our funding," Harris said. "For the majority of our clients, we take them whether or not they have the ability to pay. We want to make sure to continue with that level of service despite these cuts."

Family & Children's Services opened in 1925 for families overwhelmed by problems. It has grown to offer a range of programs including school-based counseling, suicide prevention, child abuse and neglect prevention and counseling, substance abuse counseling, family therapy, homeless outreach, and other specialized crisis and therapeutic services.

The opening of the store joins a trend of nonprofits getting into upscale, second-hand retail as a way to bolster income. Other stores directly supporting nonprofits include The Market at Pearl, 1020 S. Rockford Ave.; Sophisticated Seconds, 4016 S. Yale Ave.; and the Assistance League's Bargains Resale Shop, 3408 E. 11th St.

Harris said the economic plan for the Family & Children's Services Thrift Store was developed by graduate students working on their thesis for a master's in business. The plan outlines the minimum monthly income required, economic climate and other details of operating the store.

"We didn't enter into this lightly, of course," she said.

The general manager, Kevin McKinzie, has had 17 years of experience in for-profit thrift stores.

"The goal is to help the clients. Every time we sell an item, it gives back to Family & Children's Service, and that's like nothing I've ever been a part of before," he said. "It makes me feel good. You don't get that chance often."

The merchandise donated has been impressive, with name-brand and designer clothing along with home decor and items from high-end local boutiques. Think Nike shirt, camel-hair coats, Brooks Brothers, Levi's and Miss Me jeans. Shoppers can find artwork and furniture, too.

Pricing will be based on quality and brand, and customer experience will be a priority, McKinzie said.

"We want customers to find that treat or get a bargain," he said. "Customer service is going to be a big thing because I want customers to enjoy their shopping experience. The quality of the merchandise is exceptional. We want this to be a store for everybody and not just a thrift-store shopper."

The store is not expected to make up the difference for the loss of that one state grant. The nonprofit has several other fundraisers along with a sliding fee scale for clients, grants and support from private foundations in its operations budget.

But the store is a start of something new that could blossom.

"This is an extension of our mission," Harris said. "It provides an opportunity for the public and our clients. It's been quite amazing."