Resale store helps workers as well as its customers

Since we're all looking for bargains these days, I thought Aurorans would want to know about the Two Rivers Head Start Resale Shop at the corner of Sullivan and Randall Roads. It has a variety of child and adult sizes, including kids' Halloween costumes. I've always been impressed at how clean and well displayed things are at Two Rivers.

I've been both donating to and shopping at Two Rivers for years and realized I didn't really know much about it, so, on my last trip there, I spoke with Jennifer Frazier, the job yrainer for the JET and FET programs of Two Rivers Headstart. JET stands for Job Experience and Training, while FET is Future Employers in Training. These are programs funded by a block grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The resale shop also helps to fund these programs.

People qualify for these programs by income level. For those who qualify, the classes are free and last eight weeks. Many people are referred from Hesed House, Wayside Cross, and the Department of Human Services. They receive a certificate upon completion. The classes help people transition back into the workforce or update their skills. Some of the graduates are hired to work in the store. "Not many programs are there and ready to place you," said Frazier.

The woman who was behind the register when I was there, Rebecca Saucedo, graduated from the program in August. She told me how she had worked with Petrie dishes in a Naperville lab for 16 years when the business moved to New York. She praised Two Rivers' program for helping her and many others boost their confidence and move on with their lives when they get "stuck and don't have the funds to retrain." She is now taking courses at Waubonsee Community College and hopes to become a nurse. With her beautiful smile, friendly nature, and fluency in both English and Spanish, I'm sure she will do well in the medical field.

I also spoke with Angelique Thomas, the FET receptionist. She was thrilled by the computer skills she acquired in the program. She told me "You can learn so much from this program, like the different Windows, Microsoft Office,Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publishing!" She also learned to do inventory and run the cash register but now works at the front desk.

I asked about the store itself, and Frazier explained that they gratefully accept used clothing, toys, and household items. They also take art on consignment. The store receives 20 percent of the profit when the art is sold. It is an excellent opportunity for high school students to sell their work. It is also a perfect opportunity for the community to buy the early work of people who might well be famous artists one day!

So take the time to locate this special place, tucked out of sight on the northwest side of the intersection. It's easiest to find if you enter from Sullivan Road. The address is 1661 Landmark Road. There are some excellent bargains, and Two Rivers' work is truly an asset to the community.

deenasherman@att.net