As
part of our ongoing "Getting to Know Your Local Businesses" series,
this week we sat down with Marcus Denman, executive director of The Village Thrift Shop.
Tell us a bit about your business: What does your business offer, and how long have you been around?
We
have a thrift shop that features quality furniture, clothing and
household goods that supports adults with special needs through The
Village Learning Center (also known as The Village). The Village Thrift
store is one program related to The Village. We also have The Day
Program, Assistive Living (Stoney Glenn and Independent Living (Hickory
Glenn).
We’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit
charitable organization serving 200+ individuals with Developmental
Disabilities in the Humble/Kingwood area, creating opportunities for
inclusion and independence.
Our
center was created in 2000. We first opened a thrift store in 2003,
closed it in 2005 and then reopened it in 2013 in Porter, Texas. We
started our assisted living residential program in 2004 and our
independent living apartment program in 2013. Our facilities are the
Village at Stoney Glenn (assisted living) and the Village at Hickory
Glenn (apartment).
How did you decide to get involved in this line of work?
I’ve
been serving those needing specialized care for the last 25 years,
having served at the Harris Center and Arrow Child and Family
Ministries.
I’m originally from Lufkin in East Texas and relocated
to the Houston area 13 years ago. I received my MBA in 2013 from the
University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s in Business Administration from
Stephen F. Austin State University.
Tell us a couple things you are proud of about your business. What are you known for? What separates you from the competition?
I’m
most proud that we have outlined programs for all levels of care and
needs for those with disabilities 18 years and up. I’m also excited
about our recently added after school care program for those 15 years
and older.
Our mission at The Village is to create the support and
services to affect positive changes in the lives of individuals with
developmental disabilities, their families, and our local community so
that these individuals can reach their maximum potential and level of
independence.
What is your favorite part of running this business?
Through
our community-based programs, I love seeing individuals that are
participating in our programs become respected members of our community
and have the opportunity for an improved quality of life with a purpose.
Who is your ideal customer/client? Who do you serve best?
We
accommodate a wide range of clients from medically fragile whom require
tube feeding and toileting to high functioning individuals with stable
jobs within the community. Our donation supporters are eager to help us
financially so that we can serve the local community along with the
individuals who are in need of specialized care.
Is there any other information you'd like your potential customers/clients to know about your business?
We
host 3 major fundraisers during the year: A golf tournament in the
spring, a community talent show in the summer and a gala in November
(our largest fundraiser). All donations are tax deductible and 100% of
the profits from donations benefit our non-profit charity.
Our
thrift shop accepts quality clothes, furniture, and household goods. At
the shop, we do offer a senior citizens day at the shop the second and
fourth Saturday of each month. Those 62 years and older receive a 20%
off discount on their purchases. Our customers also enjoy watching Shane
play the piano and singing with him.
To learn
more about what can be donated at our Thrift Shop and when donations can
be accepted, plus more about our programs and facilities, visit our
website. To take a tour of The Village facilities, call (281) 358-6172.
How do you see your business growing and improving over the next couple of years?
We
are considering expanding our day program to The Woodlands area and we
are looking to start a home community-based services waiver program.
This program would enable us to assist those individuals with
developmental disabilities in their own homes.
To learn more about The Village Thrift Shop, visit our profile at
Atascocita.com.