Published: November 26, 2008 06:33 pm      

Shop for foster teens is opening Saturday

Inspire U store at Kyova Mall

ASHLAND — A new, very special store will open its doors at the Kyova Mall Saturday.

The shop, Inspire U clothing store, is exclusively for teenagers in the state foster care system and is a collaboration between For Jamie’s Sake Foster and Adoption Resource Center, the Kyova Mall, and other local businesses.

Organizers promise the shop will have a “hip and cool” vibe like other retail stores that cater to teens.

The items in the store have all been donated and include new and gently used trendy items. To make the items appear new they will include tags. Instead of a price, the tags will bear the following saying: “I will never leave you or forsake you, God.” All items are free of charge and children will be able to purchase six clothing items a month and three “life essential” items a month, including shoes, belts, jewelry, purses and other accessories. Customers will also each be given a free Bible when they check out of the store.

The goal of the store is to give the foster children a place to feel special and uplifted, organizers say. It’s modeled after a similar shop in Florida for teenage girls.

Lea Ann Gollihue, co-founder and executive director of For Jamie’s Sake, said she was contacted by local resident Cheri Daniel with the idea for the shop in August. Daniel, Gollihue said, had read an article about Taylor’s Closet and wanted to help start a similar shop here.

Gollihue said efforts to open the shop started in August and have been a collaborative effort between individuals and businesses. The Kyova Mall donated the space, which was decorated with help from Tim Quade of Interior Motives. Paint for the shop was donated by King’s Daughters Medical Center. Photographer Ashley Quinn photographed children in foster care to be used as art work for the store, which was decorated and painted by volunteers.

A grand opening celebration will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the store in the Kyova Mall. The Rev. Warren Vanover, of Sandy Hook Methodist Church, will begin the festivities with an opening prayer. Light refreshments will be served and donations of items will be accepted and are needed.

The store will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, contact For Jamie’s Sake at (606) 327-5511.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.