YWCA resale retail shop adds style to Mall St. Vincent

Resale prices have never looked so good. The YWCA has a new resale shop in Mall St. Vincent called Fab Finds — a shop that sells donated items to raise funds for the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association).

The YWCA has been at the front lines of the most critical social movements for over 160 years. They focus their mission-driven work on the following areas to improve the lives of girls and women: health and safety, racial justice and civil rights, and empowerment and economic advancement.

Dr. Belinda Roberson, executive director of the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana since 2016, is a big fan of the store Fab Finds, and of her career in general, that allows her to do what she does best – encourage. “My favorite part of my job is uplifting other women,” Roberson said.

Fab Finds is one way that locals can also get involved. When you shop at Fab Finds, you not only find good deals on quality items for yourself and your home, you make a difference in your community and in the lives of women around the country. “The YWCA provides a comprehensive support system for women and teen girls facing systemic life challenges that include but are not limited to sex trafficking, bullying, teen pregnancy, counseling, crime, racial justice and securing living wage jobs,” Roberson said. “All Fab Finds proceeds support YWCA programs.”

Fab Finds Resale Boutique opened in November 2018 and is located two spaces down from Dillard’s in Mall St. Vincent. “Shoppers will find a nice mix of children’s clothing, housewares and women’s clothing – from casual wear all the way to evening gowns,” Roberson said.

The YWCA in Northwest Louisiana was established in 1925 and remains a cause worth supporting. “When you shop at Fab Finds, you support the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,” Roberson said.

The storefront also offers middle and high school students the opportunity to volunteer and learn about the retail resale business, which is another local community draw.

The idea of the store came from Judi Bishop, former executive director, and Rachel Scott, former board president. “They recognized that grants alone were not enough to sustain the organization,” Roberson said. So, the two women put their heads together to create Fab Finds, and the rest is history.

Roberson likes to dream big and plan big – and the future of Fab Finds is no exception. They’re not stopping now! “We’re hoping to expand into having an online presence soon,” Roberson said, “According to Census.Gov, 2018 estimated e-commerce sales totaled over $500 billion, up 14.2% over 2017 with 2018 resale clothing also being a billion-dollar industry.”

The YWCA supports women’s empowerment and economic advancement, with an emphasis on the reality of how race impacts women’s economic opportunities. The YWCA serves more than 122,000 women annually with economic empowerment programs, such as job training, financial literacy, salary negotiation and leadership development. In addition, the housing and child-care programs are also opportunities for women and their families to secure a positive financial future.

Those interested in giving to the YWCA can shop at Fab Finds and by donating online at www.ywca.org. Fab Finds is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, visit them on FB at www.facebook.com/FabFindsYWCA.

You can also help by donating gently-used, cleaned women, men, teen and children’s clothing, and housewares. Fab Finds also participates in a clothes recycling program, where they are paid for what is not used in the shop. So don’t throw out that old shirt or skirt – donate it for recycling! Fab Finds will also accept furniture donations that can be repurposed for display.