UCM’s Back Porch Thrift Store is set to relocate this summer to a newly designed retail space at the Sacramento Shopping Center on Richmond Hwy. at 8794-A Sacramento Drive in Alexandria. The new location will feature a more spacious, improved store, with convenient donation drop-off and ample parking.
ALine Architecture, LLC was selected as architect for the new store build-out, with general contractor Genuario Construction Company. Pictured as work began are (from left): principal and founder Anila Angjeli of ALine Architecture; project manager Donnie Hart and president Lou Genuario, both of Genuario Construction; and Jim Seeley, UCM’s Board Member and a Back Porch volunteer.
"We are fortunate to have an excellent team of professionals working with us to bring together plans for a great retail thrift store layout," says Herb Lea, UCM's Director of Business Operations. "Anila Angjeli, owner of ALine Architecture, and Lou Genuario.
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President of Genuario Construction., both live and work in the Mt. Vernon area and are committed to development and growth in our local community. Their attention to detail and quality workmanship will ensure that we have a first-class store to serve our donors, clients, and customers.”
“There is a real bond of community built around a shared interest between givers and buyers at the Back Porch, “ says UCM Board Member Jim Seeley. “Donors are hoping that what they give will find good homes, and buyers appreciate the wide selection of items for sale in a friendly atmosphere. The feel of community is inspiring and a testimony to the mission of UCM.”
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The Back Porch Thrift Store donation hours will remain the same, as listed at the store’s website: www.backporchthrift.org. Whether shopping or donating at UCM’s thrift store, community members are giving to UCM programs. Every year, UCM provides an average $30,000 in vouchers for people in need. In addition to affordable shopping, the store provides a place for people to train and learn new skills.
United Community Ministries (UCM) provides a vital connection between people in need and the people committed to helping them thrive. UCM is celebrating its 45th anniversary of service to the community during 2014. UCM services include:
Immediate Help. For families and individuals in crisis, UCM provides food, financial aid, and counseling.
Education and Employment. Services such as job training and coaching, full-day early care and learning, ESL and citizenship classes, and parental education help people achieve stability.
Community Engagement. UCM’s neighborhood centers, with after-school programs and leadership training, engage youth and families in broader social networks for success.
Last fiscal year, thanks to generous community support, in south Fairfax County UCM provided life-changing assistance to 4,392 families.
