“It’s been a journey to finally open the doors.”
Those are the words of President and CEO at Adult and Teen Challenge (ATC) of Central Canada, Daniel Emond.
After a successful two years in Steinbach, ATC offices and their Mini-Thrift store have opened its doors at a new, much larger location, further south along Main Street.
The original opening date of the not so mini Super Thrift Store and ATC offices at 354 Main Street was July 1, however Emond explains that the delay in finishing the renovations and completing the move was because they had some plumbing issues show up in the 70-year-old building ATC was recently gifted.
“We had a sewer line that ruptured, and so, we had to get an emergency excavator come and open that up, and fix that. And we were so thankful for the plumbing company and the excavating company that came right away and got that done for us.”
Emond says he is extremely thankful that part is done as the facility officially opened its doors on Monday, July 17.
“I am thankful for all the prayers and all the work, by the staff and volunteers, and for all of the local contractors who have worked really, really, really hard to get us open, I’m very, very, very thankful.”
He continues to thank the carpenters and electricians and the Teen Challenge family who worked extra-long hard days these past three weeks.
Emond notes they are still in the process of setting up shelving, unpacking all the boxes of donations and filling up the new Super Thrift store space.
“But as we gain momentum and spend a little bit more time getting the racks and the shelves completely stocked, you know, things will progress, but our doors are definitely open.”
He says their goal was to use the donated space as efficiently as possible.
“So, what we decided to do was to try to be thrifty and move our Community Outreach Office and our Ready-Now Recovery programs into the same building as the Super Thrift store. There are two separate entrances at the front of the building. The one on the left is the Community Outreach Office. So, if you or anyone you know is struggling, or you just need resources for someone struggling with addiction, or you just need someone to pray with you or you need help, visit our Community Outreach Office.”
Emond continues, “The door to the right is the Adult and Teen Challenge Super Thrift store where you can find some awesome treasures hidden there and great deals with all the proceeds, all the profits of going directly to fund the Adult and Teen Challenge Steinbach, home on Westview Dr.”
Once again, Emond extends his appreciation to the many individuals that have helped with the move to 354 Main Street, Steinbach.
“There has been so many different people and a few local businesses that have really, really stepped up and you know who you are, from the bottom of our hearts, we couldn’t have done this without you. So, I want to thank all the trades people, to the businesses that have stepped up and made donations, I want to say thank you to everybody for helping this dream become a reality and actually having the Adult and Teen Challenge Super Thrift Store open in Steinbach. We are going to be able to help so many more people and fund our programs.”
The official grand opening of the new location is being planned for later in August.
ATC Super Thrift Store hours are 9:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Donations are always welcome.
Adult and Teen Challenge Steinbach – supporting individuals and families struggling with addictions.
*photos in the gallery below show the staff and volunteers sorting, building and setting up the ATC Super Thrift store. (photo credit: Adult Teen Challenge Steinbach)
