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MENTOR, Ohio — A long-standing Mentor nonprofit that supports mothers and children in crisis is expanding its mission with a new thrift store designed to offer second chances through job training and community connection. Hannah’s Home, which has served Lake County families for more than 25 years, recently opened Hannah’s Harbor, a thrift store and skills-training program that helps local mothers gain hands-on work experience while rebuilding their lives, a press release from the city of Mentor said. “Many of our moms face challenges when it comes to employment — from childcare to transportation or simply needing a safe environment to learn new skills,” Executive Director Vicki Krnac said in a press release. “Hannah’s Harbor was created to meet those needs.” Hannah’s Home gained national attention in 2021 when it appeared on a special nonprofit edition of ABC’s “Shark Tank” hosted by Daymond John. Its renovation project to add second-story apartments won a $10,000 prize and inspired $130,000 in community donations within days of the episode’s airing. Open Thursday through Saturday, the store provides participants experience in retail operations — from organizing and pricing donations to customer service and merchandising. A small in-home daycare allows mothers to work nearby, and plans are underway to build a larger facility. On Tuesdays, residents take part in life-skills programming such as financial literacy, relationship education and personal development. Krnac said the new store’s name symbolizes the organization’s mission and setting. “A harbor is a safe place for ships to dock — protected from the storm,” she said. “That’s what we hope this space represents for our moms.” The thrift store’s tagline, “Anchored in Second Chances,” reflects its dual purpose: empowering families while promoting sustainability through secondhand goods.
