If you haven’t had a chance to stop by the Real Life Store in Tyrone, you have missed a great shopping opportunity. The store opened five years ago in 2006 to help raise money for families needing help through the Real Life Center. This Saturday, Oct. 15, the store will celebrate its 5th anniversary.
“This is really a celebration of community,” says Executive Director Cathy Berggren, “There were so many of us all working together to make a difference, from renovation to decorating, donating and volunteering … all to help others. This is a great testimony of our community, neighbor helping neighbor.”
The Real Life Center started out as a ministry from Dogwood Church in Tyrone but has grown to a much larger community ministry. It is still part of the ministry from Dogwood, but is also supported by other churches, schools, businesses, civic groups and inidviduals.
“It all began with the tremendous response of donations received at the Real Life Center to help the families going through the hard times,” Berggren continued. “With all the donations it just made sense to use everything, so the thrift store began. As the need has continued to rise in our community, the help from the Real Life Store has been a tremendous asset to help out.”
From 2008-2010 the Real Life Center saw an increase of nearly 90 percent of families seeking help as they experienced difficult times, such as job loss, divorce, health issues, etc. The Center offers to help with basic needs such as food, financial assistance, clothing, and housewares along with additional help with setting goals, providing accountability, extensive networking and referrals, financial counseling, and career assistance. The help received is designed to act as a catalyst for long term change.
“While we help with meeting physical needs (food, clothing, financial assistance and counseling, furniture and housewares) we also work to care for the whole person and walk alongside them for a year’s period,” Berggren continued. “As we build relationships, help with goals, provide accountability and connect individuals and families to our programs and those in the community — it has been amazing to see people get back on their feet. Sometimes, just knowing there are folks who care offers a renewed hope.”
The store has more than 100 volunteers who serve regularly between the Real Life Store and the Real Life Center. It also has two full time and three part time staff. There are other volunteers that serve in other ways — the mobile food pantry, food drives, etc. and there is a large group working on planting an orchard on the Dogwood Church property — a new project featured on the website.
Tucked into the old Mundy’s Pharmacy building in the heart of downtown Tyrone, the Real Life Store offers great deals on clothing, furniture, housewares and collectibles.
“We invite you to come check out the specials and enjoy a great day of fun as we celebrate you, the customer, on your anniversary, Saturday, Oct. 15th,” Berggren added, “ where shopping makes a difference.We welcome volunteers and donations.”
The Real Life Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone 770-632-3590.
The Real Life Center (food pantry) is at 382 Senoia Rd., Tyrone. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – noon and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Phone, 770-631-9334.
For more info, visit www.reallifecenter.org, or email rls@reallifecenter.org.
