by Karole Passmore

Abilities, a new thrift store in Richmond which opened last November, offers much more than great deals on an array of household items and clothing.

Located next to the old Knollenberg’s building, the mission of Abilities is to provide a safe and educational work place for young people with disabilities.  Inspired by her own sons high functioning Down’s Syndrome needs, Tami Johnson began dreaming of a place like this years before her doors were open.

As she says, after talking about her desire to create this place for some time “my husband told me, just do it!” So her dream began after years of struggling with the dilemma of what to do with young people, with disabilities, after they graduate from their special education courses.

Tami explains that in order for her son and others to feel a sense of achievement while learning to work in a retail environment she needed to create a safe place for them to go.  She currently has 17 young people a week who come in to learn different aspects of business while working.  They participate in activities such as pricing, greeting customers, tagging, cleaning and much more.  The two year program begins while they are still taking classes in high school, with the goal to employ them after they graduate.

One of the goals of Abilities is a personal one for Tami.  She wants Abilities to have a loving atmosphere that is supportive and for volunteers to share these same standards.

With little or no options for young adults with disabilities, Tami has taken it upon herself along with the support of family and friends, to create this wonderful opportunity for growth.  She shared that without this store her own son had been sitting at home with nothing to do and losing much of his social skills in the process.  Other work programs available require a Medicaid Waiver or parents must pay 5.00/hr for their child to “work.” After weeks of working, her son’s paycheck was only $2.13, while they as parents had paid much more than this to have him in the program.  Tami wanted an alternative that benefits both the young adult and their parents.

Further, according to Tami, traditional places of business rarely hire young adults with mental disabilities in this area.  Therefore, she was inspired to make a place not only for her own son but for others as well.

Thus far funding for Abilities has been from their own personal resources as well as family and community donations.  Tami continues to search for grants to fund this program.

If you would like to support Abilities and the good work they are doing in our community you can do one or more of the following:

1.    If you are a grant writer and would like to volunteer to write a grant for     Abilities you can contact Tami Johnson.
2.    Cash donations are gladly accepted.
3.    You can donate gently used items with a focus on furniture (they get     many donations of clothing which are also appreciated).
4.    Volunteer to help with fundraisers (Future plans for an Antique     Auction)–or to help cover hours in store.

One standing activity that Abilities sponsors is Karaoke from 3:30- 5:00 p.m. every Thursday afternoon. This activity is open to all and would be a good time to come in and meet Tami, her volunteers and young students.  They also offer craft sessions for children of all ages and levels of ability.

Finally, remember to shop there.  You will enjoy unique finds at Abilities while supporting a very worthwhile program.  For more information you can visit their website also on Facebook as Abilities Richmond.

Abilities Richmond
821 East Main St.
Richmond, IN 47374
765-966-0066 765-966-0066