Thrift shop to close doors

Villa Esperanza Services’ Hope Chest Thrift Shop is closing its doors after 20 years in the community. The Going Out of Business sale will continue until the shop permanently closes its doors on Fri., Dec. 22. The Hope Chest is at 2412 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

The Caring Hearts, a volunteer group that supports Villa Esperanza Services, has been the driving force of the thrift shop for more than 10 years. The Caring Hearts, led by Westlake resident Anne Grant, have volunteered six days a week at the shop during this time.

“The volunteers are an important part of our organization. Not only have they championed the thrift shop, they hold an annual fundraising event, and they serve as Villa ambassadors in the community. We are grateful for all they do for Villa,” said Dottie Nelson, Villa Esperanza Services’ CEO. “The closing of the Hope Chest is difficult for all involved. It has been like family to our volunteers, clients and staff.”

Villa was informed that their lease wouldn’t be renewed because the owners wanted the location for other purposes. Villa’s board of directors voted to not reopen at another site.

“We are moving away from an ‘inhouse’ employment program to a larger, communitybased employment program,” said Nelson. “This cultural shift promotes greater independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.”

The Hope Chest provides inhouse employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Participants are trained at the store and taught job skills.

Villa’s goal is to expand job opportunities in the community. They already have work contracts with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, the city of Westlake, State Department of Parks and Recreation and various community businesses. The Hope Chest crew has transitioned to a new community business, Nature’s Watch in Agoura Hills, assembling activity kits for school classrooms.

After the first of the year, Villa will host a thankyou event celebrating the dedication and commitment Caring Hearts has provided to Villa over the years, as well as thanking their donors.

“We certainly hope the volunteers will stay connected with Villa and the individuals we serve. They truly make a difference,” said Nelson.

All sales for the thrift shop support the efforts of Villa Esperanza Services in the Conejo Valley, providing programs and services to the developmentally disabled.

Villa Esperanza Services offers work programs for individuals with disabilities, independent living and residential programs, and Care Management, which connects frail elderly, vulnerable seniors and adults with developmental disabilities with public and private services to help maintain independence.

For more information, call (805) 446-1939, ext. 14, or visit www.VillaEsperanzaServices.org.