As we wave hello and goodbye to six months of operating in Pottawatomie County, we can’t help but take a moment to reflect on all of our accomplishments along the way. Our mission from the start has been to create a beacon of hope, strength, and community for an area that has dealt with its fair share of strife, and thanks to the generosity and initiative of so many within the area, we are well on our way to doing just that and so much more.
An Outpouring of Support
The Shawnee Rose Rock ReStore would not be as successful as it is if not for all the local businesses and individuals who have donated their time, effort, and goods to our cause. Those who know who we are and believe in our vision are well aware of the positive impact these donations can and will make.
We have had the utmost pleasure in working with our partners local to Pottawatomie County, and without them, it is very possible we would not be where we are today. Metro First Realty in Shawnee has been gracious enough to donate office space for our Community Engagement Coordinator to conduct duties essential to this organization and its efforts. Lowe’s in Shawnee has donated many new, quality items that have kept our shelves stocked, and Neal’s Furniture has been a major contributing factor in keeping the floor full of useful secondhand furniture in good condition. Thanks to the partnerships that have been forged, we have built a solid foundation upon which we can build a better future.
We wouldn’t be a ReStore if we didn’t have inventory, and because of the generous contributions of both businesses and individuals in the community, we have an ever-changing inventory worth boasting about. Whether you’re looking for an oddly shaped plumbing part or a specific piece of glassware to complete your collection, we’ve got something for everyone, and that wouldn’t be possible without the approximately 20 or more donations we receive per week.
Additionally, it is no secret that our volunteer force is the backbone of our organization. Having the ability to make the positive impact that we strive for is no simple task. It takes many cogs of varying shapes and sizes to make this machine operate, and without the diligent efforts of volunteers established before our doors even opened, we may not have had a ReStore to celebrate so soon. From the OBU students who painted our walls to the community service members who stock our shelves, each volunteer plays a vital role in this organization, and we hope our gratitude is evident each time they walk through the door.
Our Impact Thus Far
As a nonprofit organization, our ultimate goal is to make the most positive change we can while also being mindful of the scope of our abilities as a new branch sprouting from the Rose Rock tree. Even so, we have already set forth putting our goals into motion on multiple fronts.
One of the projects we’ve begun with is our Buddy Bench program. Our volunteers construct benches that will then be put on school playgrounds and used as a nonverbal communication tool for children who may not have the social skills to go up to their peers and ask to join in and play. This simple program is effective in teaching kindness and empathy early on.
Additionally, we’ve had the opportunity to help multiple individuals and families in need through our referral program. With a referral letter written by a charitable organization, we can offer even more savings on our already fairly priced donations. This has been a blessing to many in our community enduring trying times.
While getting a ReStore up and running takes substantial funding in and of itself, we’ve been fortunate enough to carry out several emergency repairs through our Emergency Repair Application process. By providing ADA ramps to those who are unable to get into their unaccommodating homes and conducting repairs for those who’ve experienced disaster, we aim to bring hope for a stronger, more connected community.
A Positive Outlook
If these first six months of operation have shown us anything, it shows that our future in Pottawatomie County is promising. There is ample need in this area, and we have the drive to meet those needs in any way that we can. We thank all who have played a part in getting us here, big or small, and we appreciate your ongoing support as we continue building upon this new vision for the future of our community, one brick at a time.
