Racks of bright summer clothing, displays of summer sports equipment and shelves of picture frames and goblets reflect in the freshly cleaned windows of the Real Life Center Store in Tyrone. But the store is an even bigger reflection of Fayette County’s community spirit.

Underneath the gleaming storefront, the neatly arranged household and decorative items, the sorted clothing, the brightly painted walls and the newly-laid flooring are more than 2,000 hours of volunteer labor. From the sign out front to the shelves in the back, the thrift store came together with donations from sources as varied as a catering business, a sign company and a retired pharmacist.

Upon the store’s grand opening and ribbon cutting, Executive Director Cathy Berggren looked at the crowd assembled and thanked the many people who made the store a reality.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do this if not for the generosity of so many people,” Berggren said.

All proceeds from the store provide financial support for clients of the Real Life Center, a non-profit organization that helps families and individuals who are going through an unexpected difficult circumstance by giving them a means to cope with the financial, emotional, and spiritual hardships of life. What sets the center apart from other organizations that provide clothing, food and assistance to those in need, is that RLC commits to walk alongside its clients and help them through the trials of life with a custom-designed plan which specifically addresses the challenges of their situation.

“The store will provide additional funding to allow us to have a greater impact with the families we see who seek our help during the tough times,” said Berggren. “The needs are always great. Divorce, job loss and health issues are among the reasons families connect to our center, and most often their main concern is the need to hold on to their homes.”

The center provides a safe environment where each person can build relationships, receive encouragement, access needed assistance, and obtain referrals to additional community resources. This collaboration of resources helps equip individuals and families to navigate through their situation.

Financial needs are one of the greatest ways RLC can assist its clients. Since the beginning of the year more than 750 families have accessed services through the organization, which include a food pantry, clothes closet, career help, financial counseling and budgeting, auto repair. The center distributes an average of 4,500 lbs. of food each month.

“We hope that not only will the thrift store provide additional funding for the Center - and ultimately families in our area, but that it will also be a great place for the community to get involved,” Berggren said.

Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis to work in the store.

“We also need your gently used donations such as household items, clothing, furniture and kids items for the store,” Berggren said.

The Real Life Center was founded by Dogwood Church (formerly Braelinn Church) in 1998 and partners with additional churches, community organizations and businesses. There is no charge for its services, which are available to all persons without regard to race, income, gender, or religion.

For more information about the thrift shop, to volunteer or for assistance from the Real Life Center, call 770-631-9334.