Shopping for a good cause: Great Finds provides transition to new life

Everyone knows the right clothes make the man, but do people know that clothes can right the world?

Great Finds thrift store, located at 250 Washington Avenue does just that. The women's clothing store is part of the ClearView Center, a mental health agency serving Albany County, and the store is staffed largely by ClearView clients. Working there teaches the clients new skills, which help them transition smoothly into the community, said Manager Susan Taylor. The Great Finds vocational program is all about "steps toward wellness for them," Taylor said.

The vocational program offers 10 different types of work, and the 16 member staff has opportunities to try each and to cross-train, she said. The big store is a busy place, and it keeps Taylor on her toes. "Hang on just a second, I have some donations coming in," she says.

By partnering with other local service agencies, Great Finds also helps women struggling to rebuild their lives after substance abuse, homelessness, or physical abuse, Taylor said. Taylor works with Equinox, the AIDS Council, America Works, and the Albany School District, offering shopping vouchers to help their clients get their lives back on track. Clients can use these vouchers to buy clothes for job interviews or outfit themselves or their children. Many times, these families have nothing left, and clothes are an important step toward normalcy.

Great Finds also tries to be a place for relaxed conversation, Taylor said, because socialization is an important piece of wellness. The sprawling, sunny store offers many spots to sit and relax, as well as nice music. Once a month, Great Finds participates in the First Friday events, and displays workers' artwork. The community-minded store is a pleasant place to hang out and shop, Taylor said. "We're going back to the old way of doing business," she said.

Great Finds is located at 250 Washington Avenue, on the corner of Washington and Henry Johnson Blvd. Great Finds is part of the ClearView Center at 500 Central Avenue. Great Finds is open 10-5pm Monday through Friday, and until 8pm on the first Friday of every month. Great Finds accepts donations of gently-used women's clothing and accessories.