The YWCA Evanston/North Shore announced today that it has acquired Encore & More, a resale shop in Wilmette, from the National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore.
“This is an exciting new venture for us and we’re grateful that NCJWCNS wanted to pass the baton to us,” said Karen Singer, president and CEO of YWCA Evanston/North Shore. “Our organizations believe in the same things: social justice and helping women and families. It feels like a seamless transition.”
NCJWCNS, a grassroots social justice organization based in Northbrook, has managed the shop for more than 25 years and Executive Director Melissa Prober says the time had come to hand over the reins.
“We felt like YWCA/Evanston North Shore, which is completely aligned with our mission, could take this enterprise to the next level,” she said. “YWCA is looking at Encore & More not only as an opportunity to raise funds for their domestic violence and economic empowerment programs but also as a way to empower women by providing job readiness training at the shop itself.”
Encore & More, which is located at 1107 Central Ave., is a community staple in Wilmette and, according to Singer, that won’t change.
“We were impressed with its reputation as a quality resale shop and its firm footing in the community, which is part of our service area,” she said.
She added, “We’re looking forward to enhancing what the shop can be, particularly as a tool to give women who are rebuilding their lives because of domestic violence and economic hardship a way to move forward.”
For those interested in volunteering at the shop, YWCA is looking for help with inventory and sorting. The shop will continue to accept donations of new and gently used women’s clothing during store hours, which will remain the same.
For volunteer information, contact Trimmy Stamell at tstamell@ywca-ens.org or 847-864-8445.