Thrift Shoppe Extends Hours

 Are you a thrift shop scavenger? Do you go “thrifting” because it’s the “green” thing to do? Or perhaps you like to donate? Whatever the reason you should know: We are now open 7 days a week and have extended our hours!

New Thrift Shoppe Hours are as follows:

Monday-Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM   Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM   Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM

Come visit us at 4419 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland! Bring in your unwanted or gently used clothing and household items. Still have questions? Call us at 863-647-4224

Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-River-Center-Thrift-Shoppes/185838208108103

Lowe’s Bartow Thank you Thank you Thank you…

Peace River Center has been so fortunate to have the recent community involvement in creating a child-friendly environment at the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in Bartow, Fla. 

Today the Community Relations Department had the opportunity to present Lowe’s with a plaque for choosing Peace River Center as the recipient of their Lowe’s Heroes Project. Outdoor Awnings, concrete pavers, and three sets of tables and chairs were donated to help create a comfortable place for children to stay while receiving services. 

We thank Lowe’s Bartow for their support, dedication, and hard work! They have made the local community a better place, and for that we are extremely grateful!

Are You Aware?

Here in Polk County we have strong law enforcement officers, loving families, and compassionate support in the community, but those things are not always enough to put an end to violence. Education, awareness, and giving voice to those who go unheard are the start. 

Behaviors are learned, lives are affected, and patterns in family and community are formed– there’s no time like the present to stand up and speak out against domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Are you aware? Well, you’ve got a little time…

Thrift Shops do good.

Ever been curious about how donations to our shop can actually effect the people we serve? Sure, you think it’s stuff and people just use it, but there’s more…read on to learn how it made a difference in a young woman’s life…

After graduating from college, Angela, a smart and beautiful woman, found herself in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Max. Separated by miles, and isolated from her family she was too ashamed to call them for help. But help was just a phone call away.

She turned to Peace River Center.

Mustering the courage to call Peace River Center’s Domestic Violence (DV) Hotline [(863) 413-2700], she left her abuser and went to one of the domestic violence shelters, taking nothing but the clothes she was wearing. There she received counseling and began the process of healing while learning about her self-worth. Angela learned to identify the emotional abuse that went along with her cuts and bruises.

Little by little she grew stronger.

Holding a job was especially important to Angela since her abuser wouldn’t allow her to work or have money of her own. Shelter staff helped her apply for jobs and prepare for interviews. Through PRC’s Thrift Shoppe Voucher Program, Angela was able to shop for clothes to wear on job interviews. The day of her first interview, she appeared bright, confident and prepared. She got a job and the rest is history.

just one of many stories illustrating how lives are touched through Peace River Center. Your donations to PRC’s Thrift Shoppes are important. Please support Peace River Center Thrift Shoppes by shopping with us or donating your gently used items.

For drop-off locations visit: http://www.peacerivercenter.org/thrift.aspx or
call Molly at 863-647-4224

 

Family Fun that won’t Break the Bank!

In most households, one of the first things to go in an economy such as ours is all the trimmings– the enjoyable, fun things that we do.    We do those things because they help relieve the stress and the pressures of day-to-day living.   Financial stressors are at an all-time high and can take a huge toll on our physical and emotional health.  We can begin to become exhausted because we have less money to go out, have fun and spend funds on entertainment because that money needs to be spent on the essentials.  

Having fun is incredibly important as it helps us become closer to our loved ones through shared experiences and it helps us to refuel to be better able to accomplish tasks or responsibilities.   We are incredibly lucky because our Lakeland community is chockfull of free or nearly free things to do.  Hope to see you out and about enjoying some of these amazing events. 

Circle B Bar Reserve-4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803  (863)534-7377
http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/circlebbarreserve.html

• Hiking, fishing, tours, bird watching, picnic areas, biking, Equestrian Trails (bring your own horse).  No pets.

Downtown Lakeland http://www.downtownlakelandfl.com/

• First Friday in Downtown Lakeland–  First Friday is a free monthly celebration in Downtown Lakeland from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.  Stores stay open late—entertainment and activities.
• August “Dog Days of Summer” – It’s hot! But Downtown is the cool place to be with your pets!
• DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET- every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  200 N. Kentucky Avenue
• Feed ducks at downtown lakes, count the swans.
• Free outdoor movie experience held at Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland.  ‘Grab a blanket, pack a picnic dinner and head out for a Friday night under the stars to enjoy your favorite movies on a giant outdoor screen’. http://picsonthepromenade.com/  

Lists all the parks in Lakeland http://www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/parks/parklisting.html

• Edgewood Park- ‘Common Ground’ Baseball, football, playground (HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE), soccer field, restrooms, 8 racquetball courts, 16 lighted tennis courts, 1 picnic pavilion; 17.7 acres, 1000 E. Edgewood Dr.
• Picnics in Dobbins Park.  Covered tables and swings, slides for the kids.
• Take the dog for a walk at one of the parks (be sure to check first to be sure animals are allowed in parks). 

Other favorite playgrounds:

• Barnett Park – Corner of Lake Ave. & Orange Ave, downtown near Lake Mirror
•  Dobbins Park – Ariana St, next to Dixieland Elementary
• Peterson Park – off Cleveland Heights (turn down the road between the YMCA and Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital)
• Lake Bonny Park – Hwy 98 across from Lakeland HS.
• Lake Hollingsworth is a great place to ride bikes, walk or skate

Lakeland Library has story time for little ones and also other activities; visit the following for a list: http://www.lakelandgov.net/library/youthservices.html  

Family Fundamentals offers many free events for kids throughout the year.  Contact info:  Shawna Butler Shawna.Butler@uwcf.org  Ask to be placed on the mailing list.

Explorations V Children’s’ Museum http://www.explorationsv.com/
109 N. Kentucky Avenue , Lakeland , FL  33801 (863) 687-3869

• Museum Members – FREE, Children Under 2 – FREE, Ages 2 through Adult $5.00, Seniors 65+ $2.50

Polk Museum of Art
http://polkmuseumofart.org/content/

800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland, Fl 33801. (863) 688-7743 or (863) 688-5423 for classes and tours. Admission:  $5 general, $4 seniors, students and children under 5 FREE.  

Colt Creek-16000 State Rd 471, Lakeland  (863) 815-6761
 Fishing and Hiking

Florida State Parks-  http://www.floridastateparks.org/default.cfm
Create a scavenger hunt/treasure hunt in one of the parks or at the beach.  Do an internet search for suggestions on things to include on the scavenger/treasure hunt lists.

For Summertime Fun:

• Outdoor Concert Series at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater
•  Weekday movies at CobbTheater-Lakeside Village (863) 937-0416
• GANDY POOL – 404 Imperial Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 (863) 834-3157 $3 per visit.   Dive- In movies and swim on Friday nights.

Other Ideas For Fun:

• Color the sidewalk with chalk. 
•  Play catch, tag, hopscotch, hangman, color, sing silly songs, do crafts, finger paint, create an obstacle course, go bike riding.
•  Family game night, movie night, big breakfast on Sundays
•  Around the Holidays schools/churches put on plays/concerts. 
•  High school sporting events, college and high school theatrical events
•  Chucky Cheese and McDonalds inside playhouses.
•  Volunteer somewhere

 

By: Melissa Brown, LCSW, Therapist at Peace River Center

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