Harbor House Resale Store celebrates grand opening

The Harbor House Resale Store celebrated its grand opening on April 16 with a Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony at their new location at 15765 State Hwy. 13, Suites 6, 7 and 8, in Branson West. The grand opening celebration also featured a festive hot dog barbecue, shopping, meeting and greeting, and door prizes. 

“Harbor House Resale will be a vital part of providing financial support to the Harbor House Domestic Violence Center mission,” executive director Cinda Bauer said. “The shop will feature clothing for every member of the family, housewares, furniture, treasures and adventures for all the shoppers to enjoy. Harbor House Resale welcomes the community to a whole new shopping experience. Stop by and shop the 3,000 square-foot boutique, “WHERE SHOPPING CAN CHANGE LIVES!” according to Bauer. New and gently used donations are accepted daily. Every donation is greatly appreciated,” she added.

Sale items are received through donations from residents and businesses throughout the surrounding area, and 100% of the proceeds from sales go to directly support the Domestic Violence Center. The center provides emergency shelter for both women and children who are victims of both sexual and physical abuse and have nowhere else to seek refuge and safety. There are not only local victims at the center. The center openly accepts those in crisis from other areas, even out of state. With a capacity of housing up to thirty residents, the center normally maintains a full level with the average stay being varying periods from six to nine months. Residents may leave the program at any time if a change in their situation or needs arise.

Both the Harbor House Resale Center and the Domestic Violence Facility operate primarily with a 90% volunteer staff. All basic needs and supplies are provided, including therapy, counseling, support groups, legal assistance and any other needs that may arise. Rene Layman, store manager, comes with an extensive history of retail. She initially came to the organization as a volunteer to help with the Resale Store startup and soon felt the need to stay and be a part of helping and serving those in crisis and need.

When asked about their mission statement, Rene stated they follow the belief, “Where healing starts and hope begins,” further stating that currently there are 101 similar centers operating in Missouri alone. Families at the center are mostly self-sufficient. There is a fully stocked kitchen for meal preparation, washers and dryers, and private rooms. Cinda Bauer stated that without the generous support and donations from the community, and also the wonderful volunteers who donate their time and efforts, they could not operate and keep the doors open. Denny Long, board member, reinforced the need for both volunteers and donations to keep this much needed organization up and running.

For further assistance and information to donate, or if you feel the compassion and desire to volunteer, you may contact them at Harborhousecenter,org or by phone at 417-239-9766.

Harbor House hours of operation:

Monday - Friday: 10 - 6 

Saturday: 10 - 2

The shop will be closed on Sundays and holidays.