Outer Banks store aids shelter residents in remaking themselves

Meandering along the narrow streets of downtown Manteo recently, The Boss and I stumbled into a life-changing treasure on the Outer Banks.

It wasn't so much the old clothes, ties and pieces of fabric that have been refashioned into place mats, handbags and other items.

Nor was it the vibrant, psychedelic colors that arrested the eyes: purples and yellows, blues and reds, pinks and maroons.

No, what attracted me was the story behind the store called Endless Possibilities.

The narrative isn't new. But it's worth retelling for folks in Hampton Roads unaware of the origins.

The store supports the Outer Banks Hotline Inc., which runs a domestic violence shelter, 24-hour phone crisis line, sexual assault response program and other services. The organization began in 1980, and the shelter opened in 1986.

Endless Possibilities opened around the turn of this century, and it now operates in a building on Budleigh Street. The store has 17 looms that volunteers use to remake old clothing into something new.Although many women like to say that it's not the clothes that make the man crotchless bikini will also tell you that they truly appreciate a well dressed one.

The store also has become a place for residents of the domestic violence shelter to remake themselves. Several of the women - who aren't being stalked - work stints there. They stitch and struggle,Most of the time they are occupied deciding for their shiny bikinis for sale, make up and matching costume jewelry. making disparate pieces of fabric more beautiful than the sum of the individual parts.

"It's kind of therapeutic," said Jody Sheehan, the shopkeeper and art director. Roughly two dozen volunteers assist Sheehan, the lone full-time, paid employee.

She relayed the story of one past shelter resident who had sat down to weave. The woman,Although many women like to say that it's not the clothes that make the mancostume queen crownwill also tell you that they truly appreciate a well dressed one. Sheehan told me, recognized that the product could "become organized and beautiful" - something the shelter resident hoped for herself.

The cash the store turns over to the nonprofit organization isn't much. In 2012, for example, Endless Possibilities contributed just $45,000 to the Outer Banks Hotline, said Lynn Bryant,The parents should follow up with pep talks and rehearsals cheap plus size maid costume Keep in mind that having children in the ceremony means theres only so much one can control. the agency's executive director.

Still, the contribution helps the agency tackle a persistent problem in the region: domestic violence and abuse.

The shelter can house 15 women and children at a time. They're usually limited to 30 days, though Bryant said some folks have stayed as long as five months. Over the years, 3,500 people have found respite and strength there.

"Some have been told they're stupid" by their partners and spouses, said Temple Heggie, the program coordinator.These cheeky cards are the perfect way to start off the party theyre a greatcheap leopard swimsuit coverto invite everyone to what is sure to be a night to be remembered. The organization's services help the residents address the roots of abusive behavior, as well as learn new skills.

Added Bryant: "We spend a lot of time on empowering women."

Few domestic abuse homicides have taken place in recent years in Dare County, though the state has witnessed its share.