Do you love to shop, or do you shop to love?
Both possibilities are now available in Perry thanks to the opening of a thrift shop supporting the Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Center (CIAC), a service for abused women and children in the Perry area.
If you would like to reduce the amount of domestic violence and support its survivors, then buying the new and used goods in the shop at 1111 Second St. is one way to show some love for neighbors who might find it in short supply elsewhere.
“Our inventory is constantly changing,” said Dodie Davis, manager of the new CIAC shop in Perry. The store opened about three weeks ago, Davis said. Store hours starting Jan. 1 will be Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Some evening hours will soon be added for people who work days, she said.
According to their mission statement, CIAC believes “all people deserve the right to live their lives free from violence and oppression.” The service advocates for victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic abuse, dating violence, stalking and homelessness. Its Dallas County centers are in Perry and Adel.
CIAC offers “a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment in which victims and/or survivors can receive support, explore options, set priorities and make decisions as they begin their healing journey,” according to the service’s website. CIAC services are free, voluntary, confidential and available to anyone.
Services include a 24-hour crisis line, crisis housing, safety planning, support and educational groups, individual counseling, English and Spanish translation and interpretation, court accompaniment, hospital accompaniment, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, prevention education, professional training and community education.
