PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Valley thrift store is helping adults with autism find a sense of belonging while offering shoppers a way to save money.
Seeds for Autism operates Garden of Treasures, a thrift store where all proceeds support programs for adults on the autism spectrum. The store sells clothes, toys and electronics.
Trinity Washburn, a participant in the program, works at the store and said the experience has changed her life.
“My experience with autism has been real rough for me because sometimes I listen to what people are saying, but I can’t fully register the task,” Washburn said. “So, being here has helped me basically figure out how to communicate with people.”
Building skills and confidence
Mary Ann LaRoche, director of Seeds for Autism, said participants often arrive believing they cannot accomplish tasks.
“These guys come to us, and they’ve been told that they can’t do things, feel like they can’t do things, and so they need a resource, a place where they can feel like they belong,” she said.
LaRoche’s mission is personal. Her brother was diagnosed with autism in the 1970s, when resources were limited.
The organization teaches woodworking, sewing and other skills. LaRoche said the programs go beyond job training.
“They learn to work through anxiety and their coping skills that they need to help them to breathe, to know that they’ve got support when they have a feeling of overwhelmingness,” she explained.
Washburn said the skills she has learned extend beyond the workplace.
“It’s also helped me in my personal life, how to be organized, how to stay focused, how to basically complete a goal, and how to not let basically my negative thoughts overwhelm me as much,” Washburn said.
LaRoche said she has seen participants transform over the years.
“We see that they are feeling a sense of pride and feeling like they can do something,” she explained. “They’ve been told that they can’t, they believe that they can’t, and now all of a sudden, they’re in an environment that’s supporting them and believing in them and encouraging them.”
Some participants will eventually get jobs. Others will learn cooking skills. The organization also offers summer programs for adults with autism who want to participate.
The thrift shop is located on 7th Street, jut south of Interstate 17. The store is closed this week for summer break but is typically open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
