Our Purpose

OUR MISSION

Monarch Thrift Shop maximizes social impact by Breaking Cycles of Youth Homelessness, Rebuilding lives, and Reducing Recidivism 

The Three Pillars

Breaking the Cycle of Youth Homelessness

Monarch is partnering with One Heart One Soul to provide job training and career pathways in the retail industry for youth in seasons of homelessness.

Rebuilding Lives

Monarch provides a safe and growth-oriented community service site for youth and community members, including court mandated hours. We offer interview preparedness assistance, contribute items to other local service agencies, and partner with local agencies and churches to provide needed items in times of emergency.

Reducing Recidivism

Monarch partners with the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court, The Summit of Hope, and the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be a stepping stone. We provide a safe and nurturing environment to build employment skills, receive needed resources, and give back to the community during times of challenge and restoration.

The Social Enterprise

Monarch Thrift Shop and One Heart One Soul have joined forces. Our social enterprise (a business that exists to carry out a mission to improve the well-being of others) is now also providing a space and resources for youth who are experiencing homelessness to receive retail certification training. We are the only RISE Up partner in the Midwest paying participants to obtain hands-on knowledge, training and skillset in addition to launching a professional LinkedIn profile, transportation stipend, meal stipends and clothing stipends. Learn more about RISE Up here.