Hunter Domestic Violence Support and Advisory Services has established an op shop in Branxton that will benefit its women’s and children’s refuge, Jodie’s Place.
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The Doo Stop Op Shop is set to open next week at 75 Maitland Street, and HDVSAS’ outreach centre will relocate to the back of the building.
All profits from the op shop will go to the refuge and outreach centre.
HDVSAS coordinator Paula Mudd said the organisation has been knocked back for government funding, time and time again, so they decided to take the initiative to generate an income stream.
“We are hoping to make it a prosperous enterprise,” she said.
“It will keep the outreach centre and Jodie’s Place open.
“The community has been very generous to us over the years and helped us to remain open, but we cannot always rely on the community for support, we have to use our own initiative.”
The outreach centre has been located on Wine Country Drive for about two years under an agreement with Huntlee, but it will move out by January 18 to make way for the next stage of the new town’s development.
“Huntlee has been generous enough to give it to us for that time, they have been wonderful and play a major part in what we do,” Ms Mudd said.
The op shop will be staffed by volunteers from the Work For The Dole program.
It is already fully-stocked with quality clothing and household items, thanks to the people who have donated to Jodie’s Place in recent times.
Women who access the refuge and HDVSAS will still be provided with free clothing, linen, appliances and furniture.
“Nothing’s altered as far as our clients are concerned,” Ms Mudd said.
She said the organisation chose to rent in Branxton as it was a more affordable option, but that if the op shop makes enough money, they may be able to rent a space in Cessnock.
However, Ms Mudd can meet clients in Cessnock if they are not able to make it to Branxton.
She also hopes that the profits may allow for the expansion of Jodie’s Place programs and possibly the refuge itself.
“The prospects are good, but it won’t happen overnight, you have to plan ahead,” Ms Mudd said.
“At the end of the day, domestic violence isn’t going away – women and children will need our assistance.”