By Tori Davis
If you are a Penn State student and plan to be here for the next four years, you will likely move apartments at least a couple of times. How do you furnish your dorm or apartment when returning to State College for a new semester? What do you do with furniture you don’t plan to reuse when the year ends? I know I have used Amazon and Walmart for cheap necessities just to throw them away at the end of the year, but since this is a cycle that repeats year after year, there has to be a better way. What if you were able to buy quality items second hand, while also helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society? The answer is CentrePeace.
I love thrifting. Often you can spend less than you would at inexpensive stores (such as Walmart) and walk away with something more unique and durable. Just the experience of looking through the thrift shop is fun. Beyond this, repurposing items is a sustainable way to help the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture each year. CentrePeace in Bellefonte offers price-effective and unique furniture items, but they are so much for than just a shop.
Barbara Squires, the current executive director of CentrePeace, wants the community to know that their store operates as the source of funding for their nonprofit. Their mission, as from their website, is to “actively work toward restoring lives for individuals who have been incarcerated while bringing peace and healing to all affected by crime.” CentrePeace teaches skills to their trainees to support themselves financially and help them to successfully transition after they are reintegrated into the community. These skills include but are not limited to, upholstery, financial responsibility, and time management.
Additionally, CentrePeace provides services and goods to trainees to help them avoid re-incarceration. While many may not realize it, there are societal barriers to re-entry for trainees. For example, these individuals may be required to have physical meetings with their parole officer, but may not have a vehicle to transport themselves. Or, they may be required to call their officer but lack the funds to purchase a cell phone. CentrePeace has helped to bridge the gap by providing trainees with transportation help, necessary items, and an income for their labor.
So, you can find quality furniture for great prices to set up your new living spaces while helping to give people a second chance. CentrePeace will also pick up furniture you no longer need to sell it again. Their desire to give used furniture a second chance is their way of allowing trainees to have a second chance. So, give yourself the gift of a great thrifting experience all while saving your wallet, helping the environment, and doing the right thing for members of the community.
Happy Valley Comm 