Our Purpose

Mission

Monarch Thrift Shop maximizes social and environmental impact by providing job training for individuals facing barriers to employment while extending the life of clothing through sustainable reuse.

Value Proposition

Monarch Thrift Shop provides a fresh start for people and products through:

• In-house job training for youth and community members in a supportive, growth-oriented environment

• Quality second-hand merchandise at affordable prices, making sustainable fashion accessible to all

• A circular model that keeps clothing out of landfills, reducing waste and environmental harm

Our Pillars

Rebuilding Lives

Monarch provides a safe, supportive community service site for youth and community members, including individuals completing court-mandated hours. Through hands-on job training, interview preparedness, and mentorship, participants build real-world skills and confidence.

We also contribute essential items to local service agencies and partner with community organizations to respond during times of emergency, ensuring dignity, access, and care for those in need.

Reducing Recidivism

Monarch partners with the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court, The Summit of Hope, The City of Chicago, and the Illinois Department of Corrections to serve as a steppingstone toward stability and employment.

By offering structured work experience in a nurturing environment, participants develop transferable job skills, accountability, and soft skills, while giving back to the community during moments of restoration and transition.

Advancing Sustainability

Every item at Monarch represents a choice to reuse, not discard. By prioritizing second-hand retail, we actively reduce textile waste, conserve resources, and support a more sustainable fashion system.

Our pricing model is intentionally designed to keep sustainable clothing affordable while challenging the rising cost of thrifting and ensuring that circular fashion remains accessible. Sustainability at Monarch isn’t just about the planet; it’s about equity, access, and long-term community impact.

Monarch Manifesto

At Monarch Thrift Shop, sustainability and community are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to create lasting social impact by offering high-quality, accessible, sustainable fashion while giving back to the community we love. We believe in second chances, not just for clothes, but for people too.

Our shop is more than a store. It’s a lifeline for individuals facing barriers to employment, offering job training and interview preparation to help them rebuild their futures. We provide a safe, supportive environment for youth and community members fulfilling court-mandated hours, giving them an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. In partnership with local service agencies and churches, we also ensure access to essentials during times of emergency.

Monarch Thrift Shop - where sustainability meets community, and every action helps build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.