From thrift store to safe haven

How often have you heard that kids spend too much time on their devices? Now students are leading an effort to use those devices to benefit female victims of domestic violence.

Fe y Gloria Church Pastor Patricia Lopez has long dreamed of establishing a safe home for female victims of domestic violence and their children.

“These women are dear to me because I have known many battered women who needed — but could not get into — a women’s shelter,” said Lopez.

To acheive that goal, she and her team opened Tulips Thrift Store in Bluffton in 2021 to help raise funds for a safe home called Brillo de Mujer, which translates from Spanish as “Women’s Inner Light.” Currently, the team has acquired a building that needs major renovations and plans to create six rooms for female victims and their children.

The nonprofit’s board has worked with Shoreline Construction to produce official plans and has partnered with local organizations that have donated furniture and appliances.

“These aren’t just anonymous rooms for temporary housing,” Lopez said. “They will be places of peace, safety and healing.”

The intent, she said, is to create a lasting home where women can rebuild their lives.

Co-founder Lindsey Clark described how the Brillo de Mujer home is being developed to care for women and children who need continued refuge from domestic violence and fear.

“Long-term care isn’t available here,” she shared. Without that care, women often end up in the same situation.

Before residents can move in, however, the building still needs electrical, plumbing and other construction work. To raise funds, Lopez and her team are spreading the word about purchases at the thrift store, one of several funding sources for the project.

“We have endless high-quality donations!” Lopez exclaimed.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints youth group offered to help at the store with lifting, organizing, and cleaning.
However Lopez had another idea:

“To encourage purchases, I am asking people, especially the younger ones, to come take a photo at our store. When someone shows me that they have taken and shared a photo on social media, I will give them a free item in addition to their purchase.”   

“As an older woman running a thrift store and helping our congregation, I don’t have time to post,” Lopez said. “But many others in the community could help spread the mission.”

Participants are encouraged to share their photos using the hashtag #brillodemujerhome. One photo at a time, Bluffton citizens are making a difference.

Board Member Michelle DAngelo explained, “You may not realize it, but most of us know someone affected by domestic abuse—or if we don’t, we will. It could be a friend, a neighbor, or a sister. Domestic abuse isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, financial, spiritual, and can leave scars that aren’t visible.”

D’Angelo said the safe house aims to offer hope and healing to those in need.

“I’ve seen firsthand how critical our safe house is. It exists to give hope, healing, and a safe place to those who need it most. We are ready to start renovations—but we need $500,000 to open our doors.”

DAngelo encouraged generosity to “bring these rooms to life”. 
To learn more, visit tulipsthriftstore.org or stop by Tulips Thrift Store at 57 Sheridan Park Circle in Bluffton. Community members are also holding two fundraisers, including a Women’s Gala in the fall and an online giving campaign:  givebutter.com/ZCMAAo. 

A video about the project is available at https://youtu.be/httOAzIoRss. 

Coleman Loader, a Beta Club and National Junior Honor Society member at Bluffton Middle School, enjoys teaching violin as well as swimming for FINS and Bluffton High School.