Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v01n01)
Julian Center and Kroger's opens remodeled center
by Alan Hague
posted: May 13, 2004
April 28, 2004 - Thrifty Threads, located at 1021 Broad Ripple Avenue [once the home of Peaches Records and the A&P Grocery], reopened today after an extensive remodeling completely underwritten by Kroger Co. The speakers included Julian Center executive director, Ann DeLaney, 3rd district councilman, Jim Bradford, deputy mayor, Carolyn Coleman and Kroger Co. central marketing area president, Lisa Holsclaw.
New paint and signs on the occasion of the Grand Reopening
Kroger executives approached Ann DeLaney to learn about the Julian Center. "I kept showing them more and more, they couldn't get enough". They put together a team of 10 to 15 people to see how they could help. This became a group of 25 to 30 employees from all levels at Kroger. "Pretty soon everyone got involved. We had managers wielding paint brushes. You could tell when people were leaving work in jeans and tennis shoes that they were on their way to their "night job".
Ann DeLaney executive director
The repairs were storewide, including fixing the leaky roof, putting new signs both inside and outside of the building and up on the sign pole, all new lighting and new paint inside and out. The merchandise was reorganized with new fixtures to strengthen retail appeal.
Thrifty Threads serves two main purposes, one is to offer donated merchandise for sale to customers to raise money for the Julian Center programs and the second is to provide a place for Julian Center residents to shop for themselves and their families.
The Center gives its residents vouchers to use in the store to buy whatever they need, toys for the children, clothes for a job interview or furniture for a new place to live. This gives them a dignified way to start to rebuild their lives.
It is great to have all of the community leaders present to show how much they care, but it was extra special to have a Julian Center resident come to see the remodeled store. She embodies what the Julian Center is really about, helping battered women and children get back on their feet.
I asked her what it meant to her to see the new store and all of these people who came to celebrate. "It is wonderful. It feels good to have a nice place to come to shop, instead of a depressing donation center."
"It was by chance that I found the Julian Center. I was all alone with no hope when a woman I was talking to recommended it. They rescued me in the middle of the night and all I had was the clothes on my back. That was the first night I had a good night's sleep."
New layout, lighting and fixtures transforms the store
When she came to the shelter she was seriously injured. I asked her what would she have done if there hadn't been a Julian Center. "I could have ended up dead. I had no friends or relatives left and had nowhere to turn."
The goal of the Center is to help rebuild the lives and restore independence to the temporary residents.
"Fifteen years ago I would never have believed that I could have been in this situation. It can happen to anyone, even to women you would never imagine. With the Center's help I am becoming independent and it feels great."
I learned today what Thrifty Threads is really about, helping and rebuilding. It is more than a thrift store. It makes a difference.
Ready to put up the new sign
Before the ceremony
Carolyn Coleman deputy mayor
Lisa Holsclaw president Kroger central marketing
Lisa Holsclaw and Ann DeLaney
Jim Bradford cracks up Ann DeLaney
Jim Bradford - Councilman
Jim Bradford and Jack Murphy
Ann DeLaney Cutting the ribbon
Entire building painted
alan@broadripplegazette.com