The resident store at Serena’s House is a great opportunity for residents to go shopping for items they may need with points they earn by participating in our program. The Resident Store has everything a person could want; clothes, toys, blankets, kitchen supplies, diapers, flat screen televisions, vacuums, personal hygiene products, and much, much more. The store is maintained by the Client Advocates and our wonderful volunteer, Cindy Mendoza.
The resident store is stocked completely from new community donations that are accepted throughout the year and during the Christmas season with the Women’s and Children’s Alliance Giving Tree event. The Giving Tree is lit at the Grove Plaza in downtown Boise near the end of November. More than 2,500 tags adorn this giant tree, each containing a specific need or want. When these items are donated they are placed in the resident store and available to the residents.
You might be wondering… How do residents access the resident store? Each week the residents schedule a time to go shopping in the store and spend the points they earn during the week. You are probably thinking… How do residents earn points? Well, for every opportunity a resident participates in they earn points. The resident can earn points for attending Case Management, Counseling, a number of different groups we offer, and for just helping out around Serena’s House. The points they earn are for them to spend on what they wish in the store.
The Resident Store means a fresh start for victim of domestic violence or sexual assault. It is an opportunity for the resident to purchase all new items for their home when they exit the program. Many residents say how grateful they are to have the opportunity to earn points just by participating in the program. It is a great way to empower and support our residents through a difficult time in their life.
