Customers skimmed hangers over metal racks at Elevated Communities, located at 455 Main St., looking for the next garments to add to their wardrobes before participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the nonprofit’s admittance to the Longmont Chamber of Commerce.
While new to the chamber, Elevated Communities isn’t new to Longmont. Before opening their new store on Main St., Elevated Communities operated nearby at 726 Coffman St.
Being relatively close to that former location, old friends packed the store. On several occasions, customers and employees hugged and discussed the differences between the store on Coffman Street and the new one on Main Street.
But while the store itself is new, Elevated Communities' primary mission remains to teach job skills to people who experience barriers to employment. According to Nicole Newsom, executive director of the nonprofit, one of the best ways to do that is by ensuring the flow of merchandise.
“Our hope in moving to Main Street was to get more exposure. The main purpose of our business is to teach job skills, and the best way to do that is to have flow of merchandise,” Newsom said. “By having more exposure, we hope that brings more customers, more donations, and more opportunities for people to work.”
And with more donations, customers can purchase quality, low-cost clothing to help bolster their wardrobes. Ultimately, Elevated Communities aims to strengthen the community via a multi-pronged approach that stems from the thrift store model.
Employees learn job skills, customers gain access to clothing, and the community gains a communal space for all to enjoy.
“Come and be a part of our special space; we always have coffee and snacks,” Newsom said.
Elevated Communities is accepting donations during store hours for those looking to contribute to the store, and there is a drop box behind the store. And if you or somebody you know is seeking employment with the store, start with the Division of Vocational Rehab, or DVR.
Once that process has begun, DVR will refer people to Elevated Communities to learn job skills or connect with a job coach to help them find a job in the community.
