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The 'resale' store offers small household items
EAST PALESTINE
Threshold Residential Services, which operates nearly 20 supported-living residential facilities for developmentally disabled adults, mostly in Columbiana County, is opening the East Palestine Corner Store on Thursday.
Located at 110 N. Market St. at Rebecca Street, the Threshold Corner Store, which Larry Duck, agency executive director, calls a “resale” store rather than a thrift store, offers used items and employs clients.
The store, which stocks sports-related clothing, a large selection of children’s toys, small furniture such as dining and end tables, lamps, knick-knacks and pictures, jewelry and purses is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
In addition, the Humane Society of Columbiana County has space in the Threshold Corner Store.
The Humane Society, a nonprofit animal welfare organization working to improve the quality of life for homeless, abused and neglected animals, offers items similar to Threshold in the store.
Among other services, the Humane Society operates a shelter that houses about 70 animals on any given day, said Jill Halligan, shelter manager and outreach and development coordinator.
Items for sale are tagged for Threshold or the Humane Society, with proceeds going to the appropriate agency and used to finance programs and operation, said Duck, former superintendent of the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The Corner Store does not accept regular clothing and large appliances and furniture, such as couches, dressers, beds, refrigerators and stoves, said Patty Mesmer, store manager, who is assisted by Kathy Webber, a direct support professional.
Some eight to 10 Threshold clients, who are paid minimum wage, work part-time doing a number of jobs in the store.
According to its web site, Threshold Residential Services Inc. “recognizes the individuality and strengths in each individual it serves ... and is committed to enhancing their lives by providing individualized quality supports that encompass compassion, dignity, and creative choice.”
Support services for residents can range from a few hours per day to 24 hours per day.
Threshold has an “open door” policy for family members who may visit at any time.
Threshold’s board of directors consists of local community leaders, parents, and professionals in Columbiana County.