Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynette Hartzman.
Hi Lynette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Restoration Warehouse is owned by Joel and Lynette Hartzman, a husband and wife team, to accomplish several goals in one location. The Hartzmans’ vision for Restoration Warehouse is to create a sustainable funding source for Shammah Outreach and Consulting Services which operates to help those in survival mode to thrive.
SOCS was started informally 2011 when Lynette encountered many circumstances in a short amount of time that pointed to the need for action. One of the first things Lynette did was invite Mennonite Central Committee to come to Flint, to see if they were interested in beginning a project there. MCC is known for their peace, justice, and programs of relational empowerment. While MCC was not ready to adopt a mission in Flint, they did provide a wealth of advice and expertise. One of the suggestions was to open a thrift store for sustainability.
Over the years, SOCS was able to secure a building and create B Light Restoration Center, a place where neighbors can come and find community, be called by name, receive support, reminded of value, and have structured things to do including repurposing items. Needs are addressed spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. These activities lead to empowerment. They are also able to do tasks around BLRC to earn a shower, laundry, and are invited to join volunteers from BLRC to do community service projects, giving back and being an asset in the community.
Currently, BLRC is operated by volunteers only, but in order to be most effective in their mission, SOCS would like hire individuals who are able to be at BLRC everyday. Thus, the opening of Restoration Warehouse.
Restoration Warehouse is a one of a kind retail store that officially opened in February. It contains a thrift store, a gift shop, new and overstock items, a vintage area, a corner of interest to men call the “Tool Shed”, and even coffee and snacks to enjoy while customers shop. The items sold in the thrift area and gift shop support the ministry, while the other items are consigned by the BLRC volunteers and family members. The gift shop will soon be full of items that are repurposed by the neighbors at BLRC, who will be able to consign them for cash if they are taking part in the structured activities and making progress with sobriety. If not, neighbors still can consign for points to use at BLRC or to shop at Restoration Warehouse.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The opening of the store itself was fairly smooth. However, the challenges were and still are working with a limited budget to adequately promote the store. The other challenge is true of many start-ups, and that is that it requires the owners to put in the labor without profit at the onset. The owners are not discouraged though, as they have a mantra, “Dream Big. Start Small. Act Now.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Restoration Warehouse ?
Restoration Warehouse is a Flint-based, faith-driven social impact enterprise combining a thrift store, gift shop with repurposed items, “Tool Shed”, new and overstock items, vintage area, and coffee and snacks while customers browse.
While Restoration Warehouse is very new, they are know for their amazingly low thrift store prices, well organized store layout, and peaceful vibe. Many have noted the kind welcome given by the owners.
Restoration Warehouse operates with a focus on restoration. Their tagline, “Where your bargain brings hope,” is more than a phrase, it is their goal, as the store funds a local empowerment center.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Many people have been supportive of this effort. While the volunteers and supporters of the 501c3 are too numerous to name, those who have been especially helpful at Restoration Warehouse include: Grumlaw church’s connect groups who helped with prepping the building for store use; Brianna Hammond (daughter-in-love of the owners), Bella Hobson (a neighbor at BLRC), and Joshua Stall (a neighbor served at BLRC who recently passed away in a fire) who helped tremendously with store set up; Brandon Smith (son) and Shannon O’Keefe (friend) who have helped with any tasks needed to operate the store; and Liberty Bell (daughter-in-love) who has been a huge cheerleader and even supplied inventory to help fill the store shelves. Then there is Abele’ Delgado (baby granddaughter of the owners) who is often at the store with GrandMama, smiling at all the customers and adding to the peaceful, comfortable atmosphere. Board members of Shammah Outreach and B Light Restoration Center have also been encouraging and supportive in a variety of ways. Finally all the donors of items for the thrift store, and the customers. Everyone is so greatly appreciated!
Most importantly though, Jesus Christ deserves all praise. It is only through Him that the owners credit the vision and passion for those served.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.restorationwarehouse.net
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/2905restorationwarehouse
