News

Great Deals, Great Finds, Great Cause!

Violette’s ’STAND FOR THE CHILDREN’ Home Thrift Shop Opens its Doors in Middle Smithfield.

This winter, Violette’s ’STAND FOR THE CHILDREN’ Home (VSFTCH) Thrift Shop opened at the Dutchman Shopping Center in MST, ready to offer great treasures at a bargain and for a great cause.

Having lived in a group home in Morristown, NJ, owner Violette Francois was looking to give back and offer the same opportunity she had as a youth to others; a safe home to be nurtured, grow, and learn life skills.  But, where does one go to get started?  Francois couldn’t think of anywhere better than her own community right here in Middle Smithfield.  Now, it’s time to make this dream a reality, and raising funds is the name of the game.

Violette started VSFTCH Thrift Shop with this vision in mind, intending to use the proceeds to open a home-like facility where young adults can live a normal life, attend school, and participate in the community.

According to their mission statement, VSFTCH would be a surrogate family that “offers support in all areas, especially education, structure, mental, and physical health,”  for those at risk once they leave the boys, or girls home.  Proceeds will first be used to build a mens (ages 18 – 26) home and then, as it grows, a women's facility in the future.  The facilities would act as a ‘Next-Step’ program, aiming to coach those for getting entrance into secondary education institutes and teaching important life skills, helping to develop self-sufficient, independent, and drug and alcohol-free individuals.

“I know that, without the support I had, I don’t know what would have happened, or where I would be today,” said Francois.  “I am focused on making this a possibility and this thrift shop is one step closer to that dream.  I also love a great deal and know the community does as well,” laughed Francois.

VSFTCH Thrift Shop has everything you need at a great bargain.  Thrifty spenders can find clothes, shoes, accessories, and great finds.

And you’ll feel good about your purchases too!

All items are donated by the community and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the VSFTCH fund.

“I’m so excited to see this take off and right here in Middle Smithfield, my community,” said Francois.  “Once built, these young adults will get to witness the welcoming spirit and opportunities I have seen here and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Violette’s ’STAND FOR THE CHILDREN’ Home Thrift Shop

570-269-6203

5126 Milford Rd.  Suite 300

East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

(In the Dutchman Shopping Center)