Showing posts with label north carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label north carolina. Show all posts

Saturday, December 23, 2017

The High Point Enterprise from High Point, North Carolina on July 11, 1976 · Page 63

Read article : The High Point Enterprise from High Point, North Carolina on July 11, 1976 · Page 63

12D High Point Enterprise, Sunday, July 11, 1976 CEDARWOOD HOME Just waiting for your family, it's brick, has 7 rooms. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1.900 sq. ft., plus 2-car carport, large grassed and well landscaped lot 127x239. Yep, you are right - the den has a fireplace and there are many other extras in this home at 214 Cedarwood Drive, all for the price of $53.500. FORESTDALE - 403 FORESTDALE DR. This home overlooks the lake and is a truly lovely home. You really can't see the whole picture until you see the beautiful, tastefully decorated large rooms on the inside. At your convenience, we will be glad to attempt to set up an appointment for you to see this top located excellent home and let you take a restful look at the sjnooth waters from the concrete patio on the rear of the house. $85,000 1110 CAMPBELL This 8 room. l"z story frame home on a duplex zoned lot, 100 x 150, has much to offer a large family, including partial fenced yard, a frame workshop building, a one-car garage, good garden area, and all kinds of shrubs, trees and flowers, close 10 schools and all for the price of only $17.500. FOR SALE OR RENT With option to buy -1116 Sharon St. at the corner of Lake. Four rooms, concrete basement area could be developed into 2nd apt. We'll work a real deal on this one. NO DOWN PAYMENT. SPECIAL-C-4 ZONING Corner of Oakwood Newton. Just north of English Rd., a vacant lot just perfect for small office or a few apts. 2HOMESITESOR1 Wooded, on the south side of Crestview Drive. Over 220' frontage. AFTER HOURS CALL- Lucille Monroe K85-G653 » Bill Hyllun ~ 454-1062 u REALTOR 1 - The Match Makers -- RS'2-0131 OPEN SUNDAY 2-5 THE BLUE HOUSE - DOGWOOD CT. 3 Bedrooms, formal dining, 2 full baths, lireplace. central air. full basement-with easy potential for fourth bedroom and den. $45,900. NEW LISTINGS HILLTOP DR. - CRESTVIEW 3 bedroom brick. 2 full ceramic baths, fireplace, utility room, dining room with sliding glass doors to patio, carport, metal storage building, fenced real- lot. AIR CONDITIONED. S32.90D. KYNWOOD SUB. Flint Hill Rd to Mt Vernon Church, Kynwood on left. 4 bedrooms. 2'z baths, kitchen with all buill-ins, large utility room, living room and large den with old brick rustic fireplace, sundeck, carport, paved drive If you h u n y you can pick the carpet. New $42.900 220 STRATFORD ROAD Archdale. 5 room frame with aluminum siding, 2 bedrooms, dining room, utility room and living room, hardwood floors $14.000. 8 " 2 ROOMS CENTRAL AIR 2" z BATHS PRICED TO SELL BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPED LOT LARGE DEN W/FIREPLACE 4 BEDROOMS SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT WHY PAY RENT - WHEN YOU CAN BUY Brick and frame bungalow on nice shady lot One block from bus line, and willnn walking distance of Kirkman Park School Partially floored attic for convenient storage This home has gas heat, and connectons for washer and dryer. Cun you believe all this at a price of only $15,500 Call today for an appointment to s,ee 808 Wiloubar Terrace. NICELY WOODED LOT for sale in Oakview Estates If vou lire planning to build a split level or a home with a basement sou should consider this location 110 Ft. frontage on paved road. Call today' R E S I D E N T I A L C O M M E R C I A L R E A L ESTATE 312 OLD WINSTON KI). 869-6113 AFTER HOURS 888-4692 OR 869-4919 E ? 11 NEED LOTS OF ROOM? --Z'.j ACRES TO 60 ACRES-Then indulge yourself in luxury living at this magnificent suburban estate on Kersey Road just off Highway 62 Five bedrooms, sewing room, study, family room, 3V 2 baths, terrific utility room, convenient kitchen with 30 feet of cabinets and all built-ins, three fireplaces, three porches, double garage and single carport Talk to us today about this beautifully decorated, well kept home. There's so much more to tell than we can write about. Buy this home with 2Vj Acres or up to as many as 60 Acres. We can Uulor-make this to fit your needs and desires. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS PROPERTY Formerly Cecil Drug Store. 121 North Main Street. Frontage on N. Mam St. Hayden Place. 3,700 sq. ft. -- 1st floor. 2.900 sq. ft. -- 2nd floor. New heat and air cond. units. Lot size -- 25 ft. x 200 ft. Price $49,500. ' ~ *er******-. OWNER WILL FINANCE With good credit you can have a home of your own without going through the hassel of securing a loan. 327 I'ICKETT PLACE is a five room frame dwelling in good condition This home can have either 2 or 3 bedrooms, depending on your needs. We'll show you this anytime -- jus,t give a call Can be purchased with a small down payment FOREST HILLS, THOMASVILLE 11 rooms. 4 or 5 bedrooms. 4 baths. 2 kitchens (1 up and 1 down) 2 patios and 1 deck. 46 x 16 Rec. room. Double carport and single garage Over 5.500 square feel living space. Large lot with 450 feet street frontage *K49^^^-t^U0-9*^M^Il?L0V^x4 BEAUTIFUL EMERYWOOD FOREST TWO CHOICE , BUILDING SITES , Fronting Wickliff Avenue with a frontage of 284 feet and go- f ing .ill the way through the block to Sweetbnar Court. Ihis * wooded homesile is one of the few choice locations left in , [northwest High Point Call todai for further information 2 : ! Sites for the price ol 1 S17.500.' ' READ THE ENTERPRISE CLASSFIED ADS JAMESTOWN ·Our 22nd Year* %^ ^ OPEN HOUSE TODAY 2 - 5 301 SIIADOWLAWN DR. FORESTDALE NORTH This t r u e l y u n i q u e c o n t e m p o r a r y design features 4 bedrooms, larpc living room and dining room, den with fireplace and woodbox, sliding glass door to wooden deck, built-in shelves and desk, modern kitchen, thermo-pane windows, big double garage You must come see this home soon $70.500. HO Church-Phones: 887-1250 or 887-1958 Chde Vaughn 887-1040 Nat Harrison 882-3453 Boyd Jaeger 889-3187 g? n-6 Runnine mil o/4(nrnflf sparr." 'ivll irlle iti-n,.i fn.i u-ith n linr- runt C/n»«i/iV"' - I d ! ft ft\ OPEN SUNDAY 2-5 W511 DOGWOOD COURT CAPE COD *T 3 Bedrooms and studio, 2 full baths, fireplace in living room, formal dining, a 'c. kitchen has stove, d/w and disposal Hurry' $43,500 REDUCED. OPEN SUNDAY 2-5 NEW ENGLAND SALTBOX 3 Bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal dining. fireplace, a/c Studio could be used for 4th bedroom. You'll love it. 512 Dogwood Ct. $43.500. REDUCED. C K D V K LODGE ONE ACRE THOMASVILLE Tlu.s bc;iu'ilul «ell kept brick home was custom buill by Clifl I '.\ orhart loi tlu present owners The 22 x 20 master bedroom le.iluies .1 dressing room w i t h lull length mirrors built-in \ . i n i l \ The bnck p,melsd den is 2V; ft \ \ i t h fireplace 20x40 (·.irpoli'd p;uu :M\25 qaiage Baseboard hoi waier heat ,\.C Jt)7 500 00 OPEN SUNDAY 2-5 \\ OOOLEIGH CT. - FOREST!) ALE EAST A contemporary home \vith 4 or 5 bedrooms. 3 1 : baths, living mom. loriul dining room, kitchen win built in appliances, n nici- pn\.ilo dining patio leading off dining ronm For a uni- due homo \ou should sec ilii* one 4(M) CRESTVIEW-THOMASVILLE 3 Bedrooms. l'-a baths, carport, sunken living room cathedral ceilings, built-in stove dishwasher 22 000 BIT: air conditioner, utility room. S29 750 Good loan assumption Beautiful Lot. % 222 MOORE ST. THOMASVILLE ·j: An immaculate 3 bedroom brick home with :i: fireplace, formal dining room, carpeted throughout :·· Sliding glass doors to new patio with railing. Double :,-; garage paved drive large lot. Below replacement x cost. $26,500. % 303 WEST GLILFORD THOMASVILLE 'f 3 Bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal dining den with :': fireplace separate garage, large lot. $2,000 and :· assume loan. You'll have to move fast to get this one. :·' LOT: Gray Oaks Trinity. 100 x 200. $2,500. 'f 2 LOTS: Southtfale Estates. 100 x 200 Each. $2,800. ? INVESTMENT-COMMERCIAL !: PROPERTY , i Corner Ball Park Rd. Natl. Hwy. Station Buildinp '· Lot. Now Renting $225.00 Mo. Plus Owner's Car Lot : In Rear. $25,000.00. HARVEY L. WILBORNE BROKER .S PH: 475-8330 305 W. MAIN ST. EMi-6 ·:· PH: 454-40JO:;:' 220 SIIADOWLAWN DR. FORESTDALE NORTH Tliis lovely contemporary split -- foyer home has 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. This home is situated on a beautifully landscaped lot. It has 2600 sq. ft and has central air conditioning, big double garage. Come see this excellent home today Price $74,500. SPECIAL - NEW LISTING 102 RAGSDALE COURT FORESTDALE NORTH 10 Rooms plus -- 3601) sq. ft. living area All thcrmo-pane glass, gas heat, central air. heated double garage, central vacuum, big den and largo family room -- each with fireplace, large wooded lot One of Jamestown's finest. Call us today for an appointment. $86.500. KACIA COURT--WILEY PARK Contemporary style, 4 Bedroom home, 2Vz baths. 1800 sq. ft. of living area, double garage, air conditioned. 2''2 years old Jamestown School district Low County taxes. Come see today' $38,900 BUCKEYE DRIVE -- CEDARWOOD Fantastic Contemporary home on a beautiful wooded acre. Approx. 3200 sq. ft living area, large den with broken tile floor and fireplace, big rec room with Teak floor and fireplace, air conditioning, double carport. All the extras you expect for luxurious living Make an appointment today. SJ02.000 WATERFORD DRIVE-COLONY PARK This lovely two-story home is 1 year old - with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, 2380 sq. ft., central air, big den with fireplace, modern kitchen, Jamestown schools. Come see this new listing today S52.300 501 THORNWOOD DRIVE-CEDARWOOD This custom-built colonial ranch home sits on a lovely acre wooded lot. It has 2500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2'2 baths, all large room. Crab Orchard stone in den and kitchen, central air, sliding glass doors to big patio. This home has too many special features to list You must see it for yourself. Don't hesitate -- this home will go quick!! 205 WOODMONT DRIVE - CEDARWOOD NEW LISTING This lovely brick home is situated on a big wooded lot 3 Bedrooms. 2 baths. 1765 sq. ft. mam level. 800 sq ft basement, oil heat, central air, paneled den with fireplace, storm windows, double garage Many extras. 557.500 COME SEE THESE OTHER FINE HOMES! TRAILWOOD DRIVE -- New 5 bedrooms. 3 baths, family room with fireplace, double garage, approx 3100 sq. ft. Wooded lot. By appointment only. 202 NUTWOOD DRIVE - Cedarwood Brick and cedar shakes. 2200+Sq. Ft., 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, wooded lot. fantastic den. $58,000. TUMBLEWEED DRIVE - Hidden Valley. Bfsck home. 1800 sq. ft. plus full basement, 3 bedroom, 2 baths, wooded lot. $55,000. BOW STAFFORD AGENCY, INC. Jamestown, N.C. OFFICE 454-1121 E7 "* Ed Stafford 454-4581 Bob Lackey 454-2704 Bow Stafford 454-1272 Mil Office Phone 88.1-1940 883-1049 After Hours AFTER HOURS CALL: CARL PARADICE 869-3876 BOB VAUGHN ...882-1256 When We SELL Your Property 1 We pay advertising. 2 We qualify prospects. 3. We make appointments with more prospects 4. We "show" the house even when you are gone. 5 We work at it all day long. 6 We know many prospects to call 7 We are professionals. 8 Our contracts cover every point. 9 We will sell potential buyers thai many would miss. 10. Other Realtors help sell our properties OWNER BEING TRANSFERED This lovely 8 room home only 3'/z years old 3 or 4 bedrooms 2'z baths, large family room with fireplace, spacious living room, separate dining room, kitchen with dishwasher, range, oven, fan and plenty of cabinet space, luxurious carpet, central air, located on beautiful landscaped comer lot. Call today to see 1631 Bolingbroke. Priced at $39.900 with easy financing available FINE BRICK HOME OAKVIEVV ESTATE 7 room hnck home. 2 full b a t h ? c a r p o r t , b u i l t - i n kitchen, laundry room, large beautifully landscaped lot, and all the extras found in a finer home Located just cut of the ciiv limits yet all services found in citv available. All tvpes linancmg available and owner would consider trade for small home 520 Impala Dr L A R G E HOME For GREAT family living in this Old Emery-wood. 2 story house It has 4 bedrooms, living room, den, dining room, kitchen (with plenty of cabinet space) and a full basement. There's a garage, and many extras too Just minutes from the public schools $39,500 Located at 309 Colonial Dr Call todav. GOOD LOCATION NEW LISTING 5 room home in new like condition 3 b e d r o o m s a s forced air heal Goca' V j storage building j^ f\\ ; by and see mb'lSVJ !L M. today it could be ,\1- nome you've been looking for. 1108 ENGLISH ROAD ZONED BUSINESS Large older home in real good condition. 2 bedroom apartment up stairs and a one bedroom apartment down stairs. Live in one and rent the other or you can operate some type of business This home has had the roof replaced and new paint last year. If you are looking for a real bargain the price is only $12,900 ATTENTION VETERANS S350 TOTAL CASH Toward paying the closing cost is all the money you will need to buy 516 James Road that has already been 100 per cent VA Appraised for $10.500. Consisting of 2-bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, enclosed back porch large metal storage building on good foundation, this home is located on large lot 60090 in the Oakview area. Why not call today? Your payments will be less than rent RESTRICTED BUILDING LOTS Viking Village, joining Reeceland S/D. Lot No 12 Corner on hard surface street consisting of a little over one acre Priced at $6 500 Loi .No. 13 on hard surfaced sireet also over one acre in size. Priced at 55.000. Hunter Wood Sub Division off Waterview Road. Lot No 1 - consisting of well over one acre $3,400. Lot No. 5 - Beautiful SOLD over an acre $5,850. The above lots can be purchased for only 10% down and up to live years to pay. ACREAGE FOR SALE (wooded) A little over 7 acres of beautiful land with 600 foot road frontage. Some large timber, can be divided into six or more building sites. Located in Davidson County on old Hwy. 109-12 miles south of Thomasville, Priced at $18,500. Directions from Thomasville go new 109 to Hwy. 64 or Silver Valley School Road, turn right, go past Silver Valley School to paved road (Girt 109 turn left see our sign about 200 yards on left from school ITU U 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 8 H i III i M II 8 Ml IT! 1 1 1 »Tt B Our Sales At Bob Vaughn Realty have been Extremely Good! We have buyers wailing. Should you be considering The Sale of your home -We'd Appreciate A Call!! K 7 1 1 6 THIS VALUABLE 2 STORY DUPLEX With 4 TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS AT AUCTION (WIND SONG) SATURDAY, JULY 17th--2:00 P.M. LOCATED - DEIMAR BEACH, SURF CITY, N.C. ON THE CORNER OF RENDER AVENUE AND TOPSAIL DRIVE ONE BIOCK OFF WATER FRONT These opartmenu ai« in Ihe belt of condition Eath apariment is individually wired, and has its' own service meters, hot woler healers, electric heot, and complete balh, tub and shower. This is a real investment for investors, speculators, semi-retired fishermen, etc. TERMS - EASY -- ANNOUNCED SALE DAY FOK /NFORMATION SEE OR CALL: RED MENDENHALL (Auctioneer) 19-70 Lie. No. 41 High Point, N.C. 27263 Phone: (919) 475-2229 phone: (919) 886-7812 J.W. WOODARD REALTY 406 National Hwy. Thomasville, N.C. 27360 READ THE ENTERPRISE CLASSIFIED ADS * OPEN HOUSE *2:00 P. M. Til 5:00 P. M, "OPEN FOR INSPECTION" Executive home located on nature's perfect setting provides all the beauty, comfort, and privacy one could ask for! See for yourse'lf the combination of quality craftsmanship and pride of ownership. Four large bedrooms (walkin closets), three full ceramic tile baths, paneled den, living room, formal dining room, modern kitchen, family room with fireplace, and laundry room are all included in this 2.800+ sq ft home with double carport. We know that you will tall in love with the professionally landscaped acre lot. It's exciting come and see us at OPEN HOUSE today at 3817 Langdale Drive in the Reeceland Subdivision DIRECTIONS. Johnson Street Extension North and take a left at Old Mill Road, take right ofl Old Mill Road on Langdale and see our sign. Gloria Adderton will be your hostess. "A SHADY DEAL!?!" That's right -- lots of shade trees on this beautifully landscaped 100 x 200 lot located in Oak View at 520 Shadybrook Drive This is truely a home that you will slow down to admire, but wait til you see the inside. 7 large rooms. 2 full ceramic tile baths; all ideally arranged for relaxed living. 1,875 sq. ft. of heated and air conditioned living area Call us to see this "SHADY DEAL". "ONE "L" (OF A) SHAPE" Just listed this well maintained "L" shaped home moderately priced at $25.900. This 1,240 sq. ft. home offers three bedrooms, living room, kitchen with built-in appliances, and paneled den For your summertime enjoyment there is a 14.6 x 22 6 concrete patio surrounded by a privacy fence and equipped with a gas grill. Ideal garden space is provided. "SIMPLICITY THAT SPARKLES" With tender loving care! This seven year old home needs nothing, it is immaculate and the beautiful landscaped lot and split rail fence will leave you breathless 3 bedrooms, 1V Z baths, modern kitchen, and a warm cozy den. Price $26,900 1,700 sq. ft. Central Air 4'/2 Years New Convenient Location "HOUSE IMMACULATE" * 7 Rooms - 2 Baths * Laundrv Room * Decorated To A "T" * $36.900.00 ' "GO TO THE COUNTRY YOUNG MAN" Perfect for the young family looking for a home in the country convenient to the city! 3 Bedroom ranch containing 1.300 sq. ft., carport, and a 100 x 200 fenced in lot "BUILDING LOTS" 1 Beverly Hills Dr. 128 x 233. $5,000. 2. Kelton'Place. 100 x 204. 55,900. 3. Inglesdie Dr. Approx. I'/i Acres. $8,500. 4. Huntington Dr 100 x 200. $9,500 * OPEN HOUSE . 2:00 P. M. Til 5:00 P. M. ^ "A HOME FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY" Four year old brick with full basement and garage. Featured in this 2,760 sq. ft. home are eight large rooms, two full baths and a fireplace in the den and also rec room. You will have to go a long way to find a more attractive home or one that is more functional. Come to our OPEN HOUSE in English Woods located at 1617 Bohngbroke, Mary Poff will be there to welcome you. DIRECTIONS. Go North on Guyer and take right on Bolingbroke and see our sign. "SOUND FISHY" Cause it's a whale of a buy! Located in Emery wood Forest is this 2,800 sq. ft. brick colonial just under two years old. This lovely home offers nine large room, 2'/z baths, two car garage and basement. A whale of a buy for just $57,900.00. "HEY LOOK ME OVER" And you'll want to move right in! Livability and comfort will be yours in this 5 year old split level. Eight good size bedrooms containing over 1,700 sq. ft. of heated and air conditioned living area. Hey, look me over today. ^869-6717 GLORIA ADDERTON 869-6725 MARY POFF 869-4574 MARY STEWART 869-4883 DICK MORE 883-9273

Saturday, December 16, 2017

The Trendy Boutique That Employs People With Special Needs - ZABS Place in North Carolina provides on-site job training and business skills

Read article : The Trendy Boutique That Employs People With Special Needs - ZABS Place in North Carolina provides on-site job training and business skills

“Hello, welcome to ZABS Place! My name is Aaron.”

Aaron Roochvarg sports an award-winning smile. He’s there at the door, enthusiastically greeting customers when they enter the store and asking if they need any assistance finding items.

“How did you hear about ZABS Place?” he asks.

“I’ve been here a few times,” reports the customer. “Thank you, Aaron, for all of your help!”

“You are very welcome!” comes the reply.

It’s just a few minutes after 10 a.m. (opening time) and a stream of people file into ZABS Place in the charming town of Matthews, a 20-minute drive from Charlotte, N.C. There is a buzz around town about the quality and selection of clothing, books, games, toys, home goods, handbags, greeting cards and more at this thrift boutique that opened nearly three years ago.

It’s obvious that the selection of merchandise is excellent. But it doesn’t take long for first-time shoppers to realize just how special ZABS Place is. Colorful signs around the store inform customers that “ZABS Place is a thrift boutique employing young adults with special talents.” (The word “talents” appears over the crossed-off word “needs.”) The store’s website advertises it as “Affordable. Upscale. Inclusive.” That it’s all about “providing opportunities, realizing potential and having fun.”

Aaron Roochvarg (Photo: Howard Blas)

Aaron Roochvarg (Photo: Howard Blas)

‘10 Years From Now . . . ’

In one part of the store, three teenagers sip frozen drinks and banter about whether or not an outfit “looks cute.” In another, mothers with kids in tow throw a few outfits over their arms, heading for the dressing room. All the while, half-a-dozen young adults with special needs are doing their jobs in every area of running a business. Roochvarg, 27, continues to greet and assist customers. Erin Keeter, 28, is organizing children’s games. And Jonathan Gale, a 22-year-old employee who has been with the store from the start and now works 10 hours a week, is shelving books.

He picks up a holiday cookbook and perceptively asks his supervisor, “Should this book be here? It is not near holiday time!” She suggests he move it to another section.

In the back corner of ZABS Place, Cammie Wilson, 25, is straightening books and games on a high shelf as employment coordinator Alison Dugo, 30, looks on. “If you can’t reach this, what you should do?” asks Dugo. Wilson carefully considers the question and suggests bringing a ladder next time.

Dugo has been working at ZABS place for two years. In addition to teaching job skills, she spends a great deal of time on soft skills—the not-so-obvious, real-life know-how needed to be successful and professional at work. These include dressing appropriately, having a positive attitude, knowing how to act in the break room, and learning how to get along with fellow workers and bosses. Dugo thinks quite a bit about the employees’ futures. “I ask them: What do you imagine doing 10 years from now? What are you good at? What do you want to be good at; what is challenging for you?”

ZABS Place offers everything from clothing and toys to home goods and greeting cards. (Photo: Len Weinstein)

ZABS Place offers everything from clothing and toys to home goods and greeting cards. (Photo: Len Weinstein)

In many ways, ZABS Place is intentionally designed to be a training ground and stepping stone to future employment elsewhere in the community.

While Dugo is working with Wilson, Rochel Groner—co-director of ZABS Place and Friendship Circle of Charlotte, with her husband, Rabbi Bentzion Groner—is up front with Keeter, patiently going over how to use the store’s scheduling program on the iPad to request time off. The young woman and her family are planning a trip to Canada in a few weeks, and she is learning the various drag-down menu options, which include vacation days, sick leave and time needed for a personal or family emergency.

Keeter works in the store Mondays and Thursdays sorting children’s clothing and organizing the toy section. She is also one of the artists and craftspeople with special needs who have signed a consignment agreement with ZABS Place to sell their creative works. She photographs flowers near her home and makes them into greeting cards. “I sold three last week!” she reports.

(Photo: Len Weinstein)

(Photo: Len Weinstein)

Hannah Strunck, 18, is also a consignor, making bath crystals, balms and creams at home to be displayed and sold at ZABS Place alongside jewelry, journals and non-noise-producing fidget toys. Hannah’s older brother, Andy, 27, works at the store two days a week for 90 minutes each day, cleaning floors, hanging clothes, and dusting shelves. He comes with his longtime-care staff member, Aaron, who serves as a job coach.

“Andy feels proud, he feels welcomed, and he can sustain work without complaining,” according to his parents, Michael Strunck and Ruth Singer-Strunck. “For him, this is a huge accomplishment.”

‘A Really Important Place’

For the Strunck family, ZABS Place is more than a vocational training program for their children; it is a source of Jewish pride and identity. While the main indicators that the store has a Jewish affiliation are the mezuzahs on all doors and a sign indicating that it is closed on Shabbat (it’s open on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.), ZABS Place has become a second “Jewish home” for the Struncks.

“It is a really important place. Much here in North Carolina is Christian-based,” observes Ruth Singer-Strunck, who grew up in New Jersey and moved to Charlotte from South Florida several years ago. “You often hear about a church doing this or a pastor doing that [for a good cause]. It made me feel especially good to have my kids involved in something Jewish. This is a connection to my community. I feel more plugged in and want my kids to have a connection to the Jewish faith.”

They’ve joined the Groners for Passover seder, and their children have participated in Friendship Circle.

A young customer checks out baseball caps. (Photo: Len Weinstein)

A young customer checks out baseball caps. (Photo: Len Weinstein)

Cheryl Slane and her family, former members of the Charlotte Jewish community now living in New Orleans, agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed by the Struncks.

Chabad believes that every neshamah [soul] has a place,” she says. Long involved with Friendship Circle, she looks to ZABS Place as a model for training young adults with special needs, like their son, Ben, who’s almost 20. “Giving people with a disability a place to work is pretty amazing. That’s what we are trying to do here in New Orleans. There are so few job sites in the country for people with special needs.”

Numerous Charlotte families have gotten to know the Groners through their children’s participation in Friendship Circle, which in many ways was the birthplace for ZABS Place.

“When Jonathan was a junior in high school, we asked him what he wanted to do. He didn’t want to continue in high school; he wanted to work,” recall his parents, Caren and Charlie Gale. “We wanted a place that would understand him in his fullness—with all of his abilities and disabilities. We sat around the kitchen table and said, ‘What can we do to help Jonathan and all the families we have met in waiting rooms all these years?”

The former clarinetist and screenwriter couple, longtime transplants from Los Angeles, had an idea—open a business. The Gales approached the Groners, “concerned about people like Jonathan, who were getting older, and what to do when they age out of Friendship Circle.”

(Photo: Len Weinstein)

(Photo: Len Weinstein)

‘A High Bar for Our Children’

Rochel Groner adds some important details in the evolution and growth of ZABS Place.

“In 2012, some Friendship Circle families approached us and asked if we would start a Jewish group home,” she explains. The Groners were more focused on vocational training and the overall lives of young adults with special needs as they got older. “We wondered: ‘What are they doing meaningfully during the day?’ When I would ask parents what their child was good at, many didn’t know. We had to do something.”

Rochel went home and started brainstorming. She was generating ideas for businesses with low overhead and thought of a thrift store. She searched online for “thrift stores and disabilities,” and came across Our Thrift Store in Franklin, Tenn., which provides 25 ongoing jobs for young adults with special needs. “A few months later, when Friendship Circle was on break for the summer, we made the nine-hour drive to see the program.”

Dave Krikac, the store’s founder, was very helpful in providing guidance about the ins and outs of starting and running a thrift shop. When the Groners returned to Charlotte from Tennessee, they met with the Gales and discovered that they, too, had been thinking about starting a business for people with special needs.

Keeter organizes a section of books. (Photo: Howard Blas)

Keeter organizes a section of books. (Photo: Howard Blas)

Rochel’s formal training is in Jewish education; she was a classroom teacher for 10 years. She also notes with a small smile, “I did help run a basement business with family members many years ago in Baltimore, selling Israeli skirts.” At the time, Groner learned many things, including web design, though she acknowledges that the business was “minimally successful.”

When she and Bentzion married in 2005, they moved to Charlotte. In 2007, she began working with Bentzion at Friendship Circle International, an organization that creates chapters in local communities to foster relationships and friendships between typically developing teens and children with special needs. Through her work with Friendship Circle, Rochel acquired a great deal of experience in working with people who had all kinds of abilities.

“We know from Friendship Circle that everyone is unique, and has hidden qualities and something to share,” states Bentzion. In imagining a workplace for people with special needs, the Groners strongly believed that employees with special needs would develop social skills through their jobs.

Truth be told, “there were a lot of ups and downs” on the road to starting a thrift store, attests Rochel. “We looked at 25 places in a year and a half,” adds Bentzion. “Even when it got tough, people like the Gales stood behind us,” helping with fundraising and much of the behind-the-scenes work.

Rabbi Bentzion and Rochel Groner

Rabbi Bentzion and Rochel Groner

Throughout the sometimes challenging startup process, the Groners stood fast to their sense of mission and their dedication to the people they serve. “It was a community effort—totally a partnership,” says the rabbi. Many helped gather, transport and store merchandise, as well as remove room dividers, strip and repaint walls, and more.

They credit Rochel with an eye for business and an easy demeanor. “Rochel is sweet, dedicated, hardworking and intelligent. When we met, I thought she was too young to work,” jokes Ruth Singer-Strunck, commenting on the 30-something’s young appearance.

Work she does, 24/6, her only day off being on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, when the store is closed.

“Rochel had a vision—a place that was bright and airy, where people will want to shop,” adds Caren Gale. “It has attracted a cross-section of people, from young thrifters to people struggling financially, and they buy because they feel like mensches here.”

Singer-Strunck also has kind words for the Groners: “They are lovely, good people doing good work. Rochel delivered on a concept. She knew what she wanted it to look like.”

Caren Gale agrees. “I admire her attention to detail, and her desire to run a store that is both professional and beautiful.”

But perhaps most importantly, she says, “Rochel sets a high bar for our children—everything parents of a child with special needs could hope for.” Her husband, Charlie, adds that “she has such an affinity to this population and believes strongly in what they can do.”

Caren and Charlie Gale, parents of employee Jonathan Gale (Photo: Howard Blas)

Caren and Charlie Gale, parents of employee Jonathan Gale (Photo: Howard Blas)

‘A Wonderfully Nurturing Place’

Another fan of the Chabad emissaries is Lisa Shporer, a community member with more than 10 years of retail experience. Shporer volunteers 20 to 30 hours a week, and sees herself as the “snow-globe shaker” since she is known for “shaking things up” at ZABS Place.

Her connection to the Groners and ZABS Place is uniquely personal. Her son, Zachary, died of leukemia in 2012, at the age of 19. He was a student at the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, N.C., and an active volunteer with such organizations as the Special Olympics, student council and Friendship Circle.

Community member and volunteer Lisa Shporer, whose 19-year-old son Zachary died of leukemia in 2011. The store is named in his memory. (Photo: Howard Blas)

Community member and volunteer Lisa Shporer, whose 19-year-old son Zachary died of leukemia in 2011. The store is named in his memory. (Photo: Howard Blas)

The Groners, who had a special relationship with Zachary, approached the family at shiva about “doing something in his merit.” They decided to name the soon-to-be opened ZABS Place in his memory, using the initials of his Hebrew name: Zechariah Avraham Baruch. A sign and picture near the checkout station explains the origin of the store’s name.

Elias Roochvarg, the longtime cantor at Temple Israel of Charlotte and the father of Aaron is pleased with ZABS Place and his son’s work there. “It is a wonderfully nurturing place for adults with special talents,” he says, adding that his son looks forward to two afternoons a week there. “As parents of an employee and as members of the community, we shepped parental and communal nachas knowing how much our son is thriving as a result of the staff, and how great a service to the community Chabad is performing in this endeavor.”

Caren Gale is proud that Jonathan feels “confident and really productive,” creating the book section at ZABS Place. “Our hope is to be a model for other communities and to expand; it is always a process where we refine and add. We all need to find our own path. Why shouldn’t these kids?”

<a href=Employment coordinator Alison Dugo (Photo: Howard Blas)" />

Employment coordinator Alison Dugo (Photo: Howard Blas)

Merchandise With a Mission

Customers say they appreciate the variety and quality of merchandise at ZABS Place as well as the mission behind it. They learn an important lesson about people, in particular, the abilities of people with special needs.

“It’s nice to see their impressions evolve,” says Rochel. “For many, it is their first opportunity to come this close to people with special needs. ZABS Place helps them build educated opinions—that all people are important and can do things. We even see their patience when one of our employees is at the cash register.”

Caren Gale acknowledges that she hadn’t “anticipated at the start the role ZABS Place would have in educating the community. A byproduct of the program is that people came in, and their minds were changed. People were moved.”

Rochel says she never imagined directing a thrift shop. “But of all the jobs I’ve had, I am most excited to come here. I just love the people!”

She adds: “People ask me if I still teach. And I do. I teach here, every day.”

Photographs of Rochel Groner helping a child with autism on a transatlantic flight went viral on Facebook.

Photographs of Rochel Groner helping a child with autism on a transatlantic flight went viral on Facebook.

In fact, the general population got an opportunity to witness Rochel’s abilities firsthand. Several weeks ago, Rochel and Bentzion were on a flight back to the United States, via Belgium, after chaperoning a Birthright Israel trip. About an hour into the flight, a young boy with autism began screaming and crying. Passengers began getting upset, and the mother seemed unsure of what to do. Rochel approached the boy with her hand out, which he grasped; the two then spent a few hours playing near a bulkhead on the plane. A photo posted by Bentzion on Facebook went viral, generating more than 6,500 Likes.

That didn’t surprise members of the Charlotte community and those affiliated with ZABS Place. Singer-Strunck made it a point to say “that is who she is. She saw that a kid was in trouble; it didn’t matter who. This is their world. They are immersed in the work they do.”

Alison Dugo knows that all the attention on Rochel must have been tough. “She is humble and shy. For her, it is a calling—what she thinks she should be doing.”

“I didn’t like it,” admits Groner. “But I will survive the attention,” she says, as long as it’s been an opportunity for others to learn. “I hope what comes out of this is the ability for people to realize that they can reach out and offer support to one another, instead of staring or being apathetic. We’re all different, and the onus is on the community to make it work for everyone.”

It’s what her mother always taught, says the Chabad emissary: “Leave the world a better place than how you found it.”

Helping a customer with her selections. (Photo: Len Weinstein)

Helping a customer with her selections. (Photo: Len Weinstein)

Len Weinstein browses through the wide variety of items at ZABS Place.

Len Weinstein browses through the wide variety of items at ZABS Place.