Cannonsburg — Teenagers in foster care lined up Saturday afternoon to be the first to shop at a new store created just for them.
Organizers said about 15 were the first customers of Inspire U and have already made the project a success. A collaboration between For Jamie’s Sake Foster and Adoption Resource Center, the Kyova Mall and other local businesses, volunteers and donors, the store offers teenagers in the foster care system a place to shop for free clothing, accessories and other items.
The goal was to create a place just for those children that made them feel special and normal at the same time. The store strives to carry the latest teen fashions and has taken some merchandising suggestions from its first customers.
“They were thrilled beyond thrilled,” said Michelle Kelly, a volunteer who has helped set up the shop. “They just couldn’t believe it was for them.”
She said the young shoppers suggested the store carry more skinny-leg jeans, Vans shoes and novelty T-shirts to be even more appealing to teens.
Cheri Daniels is credited with suggesting the store after she read about a similar project in Florida for teenage girls started by a woman as a service project. She approached Lea Ann Gollihue, co-founder and executive director of For Jamie’s Sake with the idea, and things took off from there, Daniels said.
“It was just heavy on my heart, I suppose. I kept thinking about it,” she said.
The mother of two young boys said she wanted the store to include teenage boys as well.
“Teenage boys might not always express it, but they care about what they wear and how they look, just like the girls,” she said. “The kids in middle and high school are all trying to figure out who they are and what their place in life is. These foster kids have been taken from their homes and they don’t have much choice in many matters that go on in their lives. This way it gives them a chance to have a voice.”
The store also strives to send a Christian message of love and hope to the children who shop there. Tags on the new and gently used clothing do not bear prices but the words “I will never leave or forsake you, God,” and each first-time shopper receives a free Bible.
“To me that says it all. That’s what the store is all about,” Gollihue said. “Beyond the clothes and the purses, they are going to know God is never going to leave them.”
Gollihue, Daniels and other volunteers say they give God the credit for making the project happen.
“From the first conversation Lea Ann and I had until now, God has opened doors and people have shown up to donate their time, clothes and money to help us. This is truly a store that God has built,” Daniels said.
The store is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (606) 327-5511.
CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.
Local News
Related Photos
-
John Flavell
Discussion
'Thrilled beyond thrilled'
Teens in foster care bowlee over by shop, organizers say
- Local News
-
-
Business touts better living
Yvette Pennington is a true believer in the power of living better as we live longer.
-
Police beat: 2/9/12
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Safe Harbor benefits from Shop and Share Day
Shop and Share Day brought a record number of donations to Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky.
-
Local briefs: 2/9/12
For the fifth year in a row, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has given the Southern Ohio Medical Center Cancer Center funding to support the Hands of Hope grant program.
-
Judge's ruling paralyzes General Assembly
Confusion reigns in the wake a judge’s ruling that state redistricting maps passed by the General Assembly are unconstitutional. That ruling says until the legislature offers a plan which meets constitutional muster, 2012 candidates for the legislature must run in the districts drawn 10 years ago.
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Business touts better living
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
