FRANKFORT, IL – Construction is nearing completion on the Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration, a nonprofit thrift store set to open this fall at 21420 S. Harlem Ave., in Frankfort. According to a news release, the new 9,000-square-foot store marks the second retail location for the organization, joining the original Bridge Thrift Store in Orland Park.
Both stores directly support the mission of The Bridge Teen Center, which is a nonprofit based in Orland Park, dedicated to providing free, holistic programs and events for teens in seventh to 12th grade throughout the suburbs, the nonprofit said. The Bridge is a community-supported nonprofit that has served over 14,000 different local teens since 2010.
“We’re building more than just a store,” said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director of The Bridge Teen Center. “Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration will be a destination – a place where shoppers can find one-of-a-kind items and know their purchase is making a direct impact on the lives of local teens.”
The Frankfort location will offer stylish furniture and home goods, a live plant boutique called "Taking Root Plant Shop," a rotating pop-up shop, a jewelry section, a craft and repurposing section, and an “Antiques & Cool Junk” area, the nonprofit said.
The new store is also an additional location of The Bridge Teen Center’s Thriftastic Job Readiness Program, where students gain real-world work experience and leadership development. Unique to this location will be a first-of-its-kind Job Readiness and Leadership Training Center, the nonprofit said.
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“This is not a second teen center,” Steinmetz said. “All of our free teen programming will continue to take place at our Orland Park campus. The Frankfort store, however, creates a new opportunity to equip even more students with life-changing programming in a unique and thriving retail setting unlike any other.”
There will also be a small rental space at the location. Seating 25-30 people, it will have banquette seating, a kitchenette, and A/V equipment for videos and presentations, the nonprofit said.
The building was acquired in late 2022 with support from donors. It had previously sat abandoned for over 30 years, the nonprofit said. The building structure was just a shell with a dirt floor.
Hiring is currently underway to build the team at the future store, the nonprofit said. Paid positions include: Assistant Store Operator, Floor Leadership, Sales Associates (adult and student) and Donation Sorters.
Those interested are encouraged to visit thebridgeteencenter.org/jobs to view openings and apply. The store is also seeking dedicated volunteers to serve regularly. Interested individuals can visit thebridgeteencenter.org/volunteer to learn more and apply.
Each year, over $850,000 must be raised to keep The Bridge Teen Center’s programs free and accessible to local students and families, the nonprofit said in a release. The Frankfort store will provide an additional sustainable revenue stream to support these efforts while offering an easy and impactful way for the community by supporting a local mission.
“This project is a massive undertaking, and we need the community’s help to bring it to life,” Steinmetz said. “Every dollar makes a difference to The Bridge and in the lives of the teens we are privileged to serve.”
Community members can support the Frankfort project by donating online. Visit www.thebridgeteencenter.org/donate, click the PayPal link, and select “Frankfort Expansion Project” from the dropdown menu. For updates on the pre-opening donation drive, grand opening, and more, follow Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration on Facebook and Instagram.
“Be sure to follow us on social media and watch our website for additional details about upcoming donation drives to support and stock the new store,” said Steinmetz. “We will be seeking gently used furniture, home decor, and more to stock the shelves and open the store!”