Women's Center opens thrift store in Kilgore, plans a fourth sto - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

KILGORE/GREGG COUNTY (KYTX) - At a time when women's shelters are seeing more violence and less funding from governmental institutions, the Women's Center of East Texas has found an answer. It's their Hope's Closet thrift stores.
This store, at 1015 Kilgore Plaza, is the third one that they've opened, and they're opening a fourth store Nov. 29 in Marshall.
East Texans might come here to shop, donate merchandise, or work one of nearly a dozen jobs at each store. But those workers have their own stories to tell.
Kleva George lost her mother to suicide at age 11, and for years, life didn't get better.
"I have been raped. Near death," George said. "I have lived with a man that beat me on a daily basis."
About nine months ago, Kleva was looking for a job. Her past made it difficult for her a lot of employees to find her.
The Women's Center of East Texas gave her a job, starting out part time. Now, it's full time, and she's also become an extension of the ministry, if you will.
She's talking with other employees here, other people who stop by to shop, and telling her story.
Women's Center Executive Director Shannon Trest says the numbers of domestic violence cases is rising, mostly because victims are seeking protection from prosecutors and shelters more than ever before. Meanwhile, funding from local governments is shrinking, so profits from hope's closet offset that loss while giving victims a place to get merchandise for free and start over.
"We were able to serve any Kilgore client in the Longview office, but thankfully, now we'll have the ability to serve Kilgore clients out of the office and our thrift store," Trest said.
And keeping hiring workers willing to share their personal stories.
"You are worth more," George said. "Because you've been there and you've taken this, it doesn't mean that's all you're worth. There is a chance. There are people out there who will give you a chance to make you feel your worth."
If you're looking to donate to Hope's Closet in Kilgore, just come to 1015 Utzman Alley, between U.S. 259 and Texas 42, knock on the door loudly and they'll be able to help you.