My City July 2022

Ashleigh Sanders, Director of Community Development at Whaley, is the director of the Reclaimed program and Kendall Smith is the store manager. “ ey are both trauma-informed and have the skills to help the kids,”Williams reports. “ ey are the cornerstone of that store.”Whaley Director of Programming Ca sey Schlinker was a key player in nding the right kids to work in the store. “We all worked so hard to make this dream come true,” says Williams. “It wouldn’t have happened without them.” According to Williams, all proceeds of Reclaimed sales directly bene t the 42 foster kids living at Whaley Children’s Center. But the best thing about the store, to her, is the job experience it gives foster youth. “It ’s all about the life experi ence it gives to the kids,” she shares. It is often di‡cult at rst for the kids to make eye contact with people because of the trauma they have experienced. “It ’s really great to watch how this program helps them transform and gain con dence.” Everything at Reclaimed by Whaley has been given a “second chance.” Even the old elevator door in the store was transformed into a display table. e goods on sale are given a second chance to be used and enjoyed by someone new. “Re claimed is a second chance,” Williams says. “ e kids are given a second chance. Sometimes, a second chance is best.” ® “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIFE EXPERIENCE IT GIVES TO THE KIDS . . .THIS PROGRAM HELPS THEM TRANSFORM AND GAIN CONFIDENCE.” Mindy Wi l l iams

(L-R) CASEY SCHLINKER, MINDY WILLIAMS, ASHLEIGH SANDERS

HOW TO HELP You can donate new, nearly new and gently loved items to Reclaimed by Whaley.

Please take all donations to: Whaley Children’s Center 1201 N. Grand Traverse St., Flint

RECLAIMED IS LOOKING FOR: Clothing for Adults & Kids • Small, Good-condition Furniture Antiques • Collectibles • Home Decor • Jewelry Accessories • Vinyl Records • Small Electronics • Unique Finds SHOP ONLINE AT RECLAIMEDBYWHALEY.COM