Bob Reynolds reports for WNEP A group that fights domestic violence in Schuylkill County has found an unusual way to raise money.
A new shop known as The Grateful Thread is a business set up by Schuylkill Women in Crisis, a group that helps domestic violence victims. Some of the workers there are victims of abuse. They include Diane who weaves some of the clothes. She didn’t want to give her last name.
“It’s really hard to live on the street. They gave me a roof over my head,” Diane said. “They gave me counseling to get through my other issues and they helped me go to school.”
“We’re hoping they get some job skills from working here. We think the type of business we selected provides an outlet for creativity and to handle the abuse they experienced in a very positive way,” said Sally Casey of Schuylkill Women in Crisis.
The store was set up with private grants and is a way to raise money for the group. The store was nearly packed on opening day.
“I came in today to purchase some birthday gifts and the reason I came in is because I feel I’m giving back to the community,” said Kris Miller-Siple of Schuylkill Haven.
“The range of things they have and the artwork, they’re lovely. I’m surprised to see what’s on display here,” said Connie Calabrese of Lake Wynonah.
“I can’t wait till my daughter comes home from college and I can bring her down,” said Carol Tietsworth of Pitman.
Helping 1,200 victims a year is expensive. A Women in Crisis spokesperson said the store is a way to keep the money flowing to help even more victims of domestic violence.