Assistance League Glendale (ALG) recently opened the doors of its thrift shop Thrift Alley  for a heartwarming private shopping event, giving 20 Transitional Age Youth (TAY) the chance to select clothing and personal items in a welcoming and supportive environment. This effort was part of a community-wide collaboration to help TAY, young people aged 15 to 25, who have aged out of foster care and now face the challenges of transitioning into independent adulthood.

The event was made possible through partnerships with Assistance League Glendale, Las Candelas, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services and its drop-in center, Our Third Place, all located in Glendale. Las Candelas connected with Assistance League Glendale to provide this unique shopping opportunity due to its ties with Las Caritas, an auxiliary of ALG. The result of this collaboration began a new pilot program for Assistance League Glendale, which will continue this program for those transitional aged youth, which will allow them free shopping using a voucher to get needed clothing.

The shopping event was made exclusive to the youth when the store stayed open for an extra hour for the special guests. Each participant received a $50 voucher – honored at just $1 per item – allowing them to stretch their budget and shop freely. 

ALG members, Las Candelas and Our Third Place, along with Assistance League Assisteens, volunteered on-site to assist and cheer on the shoppers. Assisteens is an auxiliary of ALG where youth starting at seventh grade volunteer for service for hours at Thrift Alley. 

The result of the shopping trip for TAY was far more than just full shopping bags; the youth left Thrift Alley with a renewed sense of value, respect and belonging in their community.