Casa Teresa extends its help in the community
By age 23, the woman had socialized with the wrong crowd, been in and out of jail and found out she was pregnant.
She found shelter at a sober living home but quickly learned of a supportive and safe environment where she could gain the skills needed to redirect her life — Casa Teresa.
The Orange-based organization helps pregnant women facing difficult circumstances by offering programs such as prenatal healthcare and parenting classes.
Megan Austin, now 25, is that woman.
Today, she is enrolled in Santa Ana College, focused on obtaining a human services certificate — which could enable her to enter the child and family welfare field — and is easing her year-old daughter through teething pain.
She’s also becoming a sales associate — working with people who have helped her the most — at The Collection by Casa Teresa, the nonprofit’s new resale boutique in Old Towne Orange, which opens Thursday.
The store, housed in a Victorian bungalow neighboring Chapman University, had been purchased by a local supporter to help the organization create a consistent revenue stream and provide employment for residents.
Inside the blue, single-story home, shoppers can find used clothing, shoes, handbags, menswear, active wear and plus-size apparel at discounted prices ranging from $8 to $50.
Designer labels like Joe’s Jeans, 7 For All Mankind denim and Ralph Lauren have been gleaned by a group of Casa Teresa volunteers, aptly nicknamed the “Dumpster Diving Divas.”
The women go through donations and remove stains and fix what needs repair.
“Casa Teresa has been continually blessed,” said boutique manager Yvonne Lopez, who stood in front of the home as guests gathered for the store’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday. “We’re excited to help build self-confidence and give these women something they’re proud of to put on their resume.”
The renovation on the home started in January, after the nonprofit’s committee of women conceived of a retail space that would be fashion-forward, welcoming and affordable.
The team disassembled the 111-year-old home’s picket fences, coated the fading beige siding in a rich blue hue, installed outdoor seating and positioned a flag pole in heart-shaped cement in the frontyard.
CocoRose Boutique, also in Old Towne Orange, donated custom racks and shelves and shared ideas on how to cater to the thrifty shopper.
Five months later came a celebratory moment for the 40-year-old nonprofit, when donors, volunteers and local dignitaries gathered at the refurbished grounds for a blessing and presentation.
To commemorate the opening of the boutique, Kevin Vann, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, splashed holy water on the home’s porch and on the crowd, as he reflected on the nonprofit’s ministry and accessibility to the community.
Casa Teresa board Chairman Steve Muzzy read a passage from the Bible, and Casa Teresa Chief Executive Lisa Wood acknowledged volunteers and supporters. Mayor of Orange Teresa “Tita” Smith and Councilwoman Kim Nichols read a proclamation recognizing the group’s betterment of the community.
Volunteers rolled out a red ribbon above the home’s steps, and Casa Teresa co-founder Sally Sullivan smiled as she watched the group cut the ceremonial strip that marked the new business.
Sullivan and her husband, Neill, who died in 2014, founded the home for in-need pregnant women in 1979.
The 40-year-old nonprofit has since helped more than 6,000 mothers and their children.
The organization also runs Glenda’s Closet, where residents may have first choice of donations ranging from furniture to baby clothes to household items.
Austin, who was first assisted in the home’s Emergency Maternity Shelter Program, which provides case management and housing to pregnant women, has shown a positive attitude, said case manager Nichole Fontanoza, adding that the organization was proud to give her the opportunity to gain employment skills at the new boutique.
“Casa Teresa turned my life around,” Austin said. “It made me a better person, not only for myself but for my daughter. I look forward to getting to work somewhere that is such a great part of my life.”
The Collection by Casa Teresa is at 234 N. Glassell St., Orange. Store hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit casateresa.org.
Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
