By: Tonia Nifong
“I love my job, because I’m making a difference. I like to look to the future. I have two sons and always thought about a place for them to work that’s as good as where I work,” Marty Schmitt, arc Thrift Trucking Manager and Assistant Warehouse Manager, explained. “The (work) environment here is more personal, and we seek to make a difference for the future, not just today.”
Flor Mendez, Vehicles for Charity Manager, gives a tour of the arc Thrift Warehouse in Denver, CO, to staff members from The Arc PPR.
During our recent tour of the arc Thrift Warehouse in Denver, Colorado, The Arc Pikes Peak Region (The Arc PPR) staff members received more than just a behind-the-scenes glance at how all the arc Thrift Store donations are processed and distributed – we learned about the individuals who work tirelessly, day-in and day-out, to help advance the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
If you are unfamiliar with how the work of the arc Thrift Stores and The Arc PPR is related, we are two different organizations that work together toward the same goal: promoting dreams, work and play for people with I/DD. The arc Thrift Stores is a separate non-profit organization dedicated to creating and funding programs that serve those individuals living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), with complex and evolving needs. The organization operates 27 locations in Metro Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Most of the advocacy work provided by The Arc PPR is funded by arc Thrift Stores.
Employment Opportunities for Varying Abilities
An arc Thrift Store team member who uses the JAWS app to take phone calls and enter information into the computer.
The arc Thrift Stores truly “walk the walk” of their mission. When you donate to arc Thrift Stores, you help provide tangible opportunities to individuals with disabilities. For example, the call center housed in the arc Thrift Warehouse employs nine agents who are blind and use an application called JAWS, Job Access with Speech, that allows them to communicate with callers while inputting information into a computer.
The arc Thrift Stores also maintains 17 donation stations across Colorado that collect two million pounds of donations per year. Seven of the donation stations are operated by arc Thrift Store Ambassadors, individuals with disabilities who serve as examples of arc Thrift Store’s mission in action. The ambassadors work throughout the organization to assist with community outreach, raising awareness of people with developmental disabilities.
“We aim to treat everybody who works for arc Thrift the same – we don’t give people special treatment. I find the right fit for them, and encourage them to grow,” Schmitt said. “The goal is to help people with I/DD gain the independence to do things like ride the bus, live in an apartment, enjoy meaningful employment, as well as to help parents of people with I/DD find peace of mind. It’s important to help people find their niche.”
An arc Thrift team member expands his talents as part of the telemarketing team.
The arc Thrift Stores mission-in-action is remarkable. In addition to hiring individuals with disabilities, arc Thrift also hires individuals who need a second chance. “I hire, work with, and mentor a lot of individuals who simply need a second chance. I’m very hands-on and person,” Schmitt explained. “I like to envision a future for them, where they are meeting their goals and progressing. I mentor these individuals and have about a 60% success rate. We all need a chance.”
Recycling is a Priority for arc Thrift
The arc Thrift Stores Warehouse recycles up to 99 percent of the material it receives.
In addition to helping people become the best version of themselves, the arc Thrift Warehouse also recycles up to 99 percent of the material they receive. “We partner with other organizations to send shoes and clothes to Africa,” Schmitt said. “We also conduct a food drive. We have collected 60 tons of food, and we also do a big sweater/coat drive in the winter.”
And if all of that isn’t enough, the arc Thrift Warehouse is also home to Vehicles for Charity, which collects donated vehicles for 1600 charities nationwide. You can learn more about Vehicles for Charity here.
When you shop at arc Thrift Stores, you help to promote independence in work, life and play for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. To schedule a pickup with arc Thrift Stores, click here or call 719-392-5263. Click here to learn more about the advocacy work provided by The Arc Pikes Peak Region.
Pictured from left: The Arc PPR Communications Manager Tonia Nifong, Training Specialist Emily Price, Outreach Specialist Shelbi Lowery, Development Fellow Rowan Frederiksen, and Development Fellow Maria Cortner
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