Contributed by Randi Perlman
Operated by Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI), Turn-a-leaf Thrift Store has been providing Valley residents with all sorts of affordable necessities for many years, but what stands out the most when you enter the store is how purposeful and glad-to-be-there the employees are. Whether it’s an associate stocking items on the floor, the cashier ringing up your purchase, or the person receiving donations from many generous supporters, you are greeted with courteous service and a smile.
Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store manager Levi Chord and employee Barbara Ross
Levi Chord, Store Manager at turn-A-leaf for over three years, believes a large part of the reason for that can be attributed to VCI’s core values of Pioneering, Partnering, Serving, Community and Compassion. VCI strives to provide a nurturing environment where everyone is valued and respected, and that philosophy shines through. Chord notes that throughout the Covid pandemic, he was only away from his job for about two weeks and the store was closed for just a little longer than that. Turn-A-leaf was one of the only thrift stores in the Valley accepting donations during that time. This allowed folks to purge closets, basements, and spare rooms while hunkering down, then gave them a cheerful place to bring their ‘goods with a purpose’. It also gave Chord and his staff an opportunity to thoroughly clean out the intake warehouse, organize and put things in order.
Chord manages a staff of 12-14 employees, along with 4-6 revolving volunteers, some with special needs. Strong partnerships with other community agencies are crucial to VCI’s mission, and some of their partners include DPA (Department of Public Assistance), Set Free Alaska, True North, My House, Red Cross, VCRS (Valley Community for Recycling Solutions), Knik House, the Food Bank, and MASST (Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training). MASST is an Alaska Jobs Program administered through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The MASST Program is truly a win-win for all involved. The State of Alaska places job seekers 55 years and older in businesses and nonprofit organizations called host sites and provides job training to help them become self-sufficient while bringing much needed support to those organizations and strengthening the communities they serve. This program helps Alaska retain the valuable resources of older workers while enabling them to maintain an independent lifestyle and make meaningful contributions to their communities. The salaries of MASST workers are paid by the state, enabling the host site to work with the individual and see if it’s a good fit without impacting their bottom line. Many program applicants are then hired and become full or part time employees.
One of Chord’s workers for most of the three years he’s been manager at turn-A-leaf is Barbara Ross. Ross came to Alaska in 1967 to help with the aftermath of the earthquake and has had quite a varied background as a nurse’s aide, former teacher, government work, and owner of a data processing business, not to mention a single mom of 9 children! She is proud to share with you that she is 86 years young and came to turn-A-leaf through the MASST Program. She didn’t want a desk job and was looking for something different. “Life is not cookie-cutter,” stated Ross. Chord knew right away they had the perfect spot for her, sorting through incoming treasures in the warehouse, and he was right. About a year ago, Ross was hired out of the MASST Program and became a warehouse employee. Turn-A-leaf has several other long-term employees, including one who has been there for 11 years and one for 16 years!!
Ross loves her job at turn-A-leaf because of the many good people she works with, and says she feels appreciated. She enjoys the many learning opportunities and interesting people she interacts with daily and likes the fact that each day is different because she never knows what treasures will come through the door. She says, “steady work keeps me busy and makes the time fly” and she’s constantly amazed at the variety of items that are donated, particularly clothing. Turn-a-leaf still offers and honors clothing vouchers. On Wednesdays year-round, all adult clothing is $1.00, all kids clothing is 50₵, and all outerwear for all sizes is half off!
Chord proudly states, “we’ve had lots of change, growth and evolution over the past 3-4 years since I’ve come on board. The thrift store is always improving and learning new ways to make things better while ‘connecting those who need help with the help they need’. Item donations are accepted and appreciated, and shopping at turn-A-leaf Thrift Store enables Valley Charities to continue fulfilling the large and growing resource needs in the Mat-Su.
Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing life-changing programs and opportunities to Mat-Su Valley residents. VCI has been quietly serving Mat-Su Borough residents for over 60 years. Through their Housing Assistance Partnership Program, Mat-Su Reentry Program, Medical Equipment Lending Program, and turn-A-leaf Thrift Store, alongside many strong community partnerships, VCI serves the needs of Valley residents and helps them thrive. These compassionate programs encompass and fulfill VCI’s vision to make the Mat-Su Valley a healthier and happier place to reside for everyone. For more information, visit www.valleycharities.org or contact them at 907-376-5740.