Originally established in 1984 as Thrifty Fashions by Mokami Status of Women Council (MSWC), our thrift store quickly became affectionately known as Thrifty's by the community. In 2024, we formally embraced this beloved name change.
Thrifty's is a social enterprise founded to address the community's need for affordable clothing options for women and their families. Over the decades, Thrifty's has grown into a vital community hub, offering a diverse selection of clothing for all genders, sizes, and ages.
Throughout our history, Thrifty's has been dedicated to empowerment and inclusivity, striving to create a welcoming and safe space where everyone feels valued. The store has implemented various initiatives to support its mission, including a voucher program providing free clothing to those in urgent need, partnerships to share surplus resources, and a Supportive Employment program developed in collaboration with Choices for Youth since 2022.
Today, Thrifty's continues to evolve, adapting to meet the community's changing needs while remaining committed to affordability, sustainability, and social impact.
TO CREATE A WELCOMING AND EMPOWERING COMMUNITY SPACE WHERE EVERYONE CAN ACCESS AFFORDABLE, SUSTAINABLE ESSENTIALS. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS, SUPPORTING PROGRAMS, AND A COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY, WE STRIVE TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY.
We believe everyone deserves a space where they feel valued and supported. Thrifty’s is committed to being a welcoming place for all, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances.
Our roots are grounded in community. We prioritize partnerships and initiatives that strengthen our neighborhood, support local organizations, and uplift individuals and families in need.
We are dedicated to reducing waste through reuse. By giving pre-loved items a second life, we aim to promote sustainable practices and support environmentally conscious choices.
Affordability is key to our mission. Through fair pricing, a supportive voucher program, and employment initiatives, we strive to make essential items and services accessible to everyone.
Thrifty’s is more than a store; it’s a safe space for growth, learning, and community connection. Our commitment to social impact drives every aspect of what we do, from providing employment opportunities to supporting individuals in their time of need.
Our Supportive Employment Program, which provides comprehensive training and employment opportunities for women and gender-diverse youth. Learn how this program empowers individuals and contributes to their holistic well-being.
At Thrifty’s, we believe in the potential of every young person. Our Supportive Employment Program (SEP) is specifically designed for self-identified women and gender-diverse youth aged 16 to 29 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who are looking for a supportive environment to enter the workforce or who may face challenges or barriers that make traditional employment difficult.
Participants in our program receive tailored support from dedicated staff who work closely with them in our social enterprise. This collaboration allows for individualized goal setting and coaching, fostering an environment where young people can build their confidence and skills. We prioritize a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and harm reduction approach, ensuring that our activities are relevant and empowering.
Our Supportive Employment team provides wrap-around support to help participants navigate their journey toward stable employment. We help them to establish plans for transportation and housing, facilitate connections with local employers, advocate for participants’ needs, and assist with accessing important health and legal resources. Additionally, we connect young people to other community services and programs to further support their growth.
If you’re looking to embark on a rewarding journey with us, we encourage you to reach out and explore how our Supportive Employment Program can help you thrive!
Patti has a diploma in social work and brings over 30 years of experience working in various community roles. She’s been with Mokami Status of Women Council since 2020 and has served as the Supportive Employment Program Coordinator since 2022. Her background in social work and her long-standing commitment to community support make her a fantastic resource for you.
Outside of work, Patti is a passionate crafter and loves playing darts, both competitively and for fun. She’s also a proud Inuk and deeply values her family life, being a dedicated mom to a daughter and a son. Many past participants fondly refer to Patti as their "work mom," which speaks volumes about her nurturing approach and genuine enthusiasm for working with youth.
Deirdre (she/her) has spent the last four years working with ESVNL in Upper Lake Melville building relationships within Labrador to increase support for survivors, service providers, and community members alike. The greatest lesson from Labrador has been seeing how care can mitigate harm, which has guided Deirdre's personal and professional path.
Deirdre (she/her) has spent the last four years working with ESVNL in Upper Lake Melville building relationships within Labrador to increase support for survivors, service providers, and community members alike. The greatest lesson from Labrador has been seeing how care can mitigate harm, which has guided Deirdre's personal and professional path.
A social enterprise is a business driven by a mission to create positive social, cultural, or environmental impact. Unlike traditional businesses focused solely on profit, social enterprises reinvest their earnings to further their mission. Thrifty’s exemplifies this approach, using its revenue to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the community. Every purchase at Thrifty’s directly contributes to Mokami Status of Women Council programs that provide vital resources in our community.
