Working in Town
Thrift Shoppe employee feels at home in new job

Program participant John Kelly enjoys not only his new job at the Avenues Thrift Shoppe, but he also enjoys a shortened commute to work.

Prior to his employment at the Thrift Shoppe at 7710 W Touhy in Chicago, John worked in Gurnee.  He says the drive back and forth was grueling.  John is now happy working minutes from his home in Park Ridge and getting to know the staff and volunteers at the Shoppe. "He's a great asset to us," says Erin Flannery, Thrift Shoppe Manager, "He fits in so well." John's job entails sorting incoming items, pricing and merchandising them, and some custodial work and cashiering.

In addition to being close to his home, John says meeting new customers and the many challenges of each day are what he likes best about his work.