As an integral part of its mission, CAV owns and operates the Second Chances Thrift Store, located on Paseo del Pueblo Sur between Subway Sandwiches and Allsup's. Many women and children leave their violent home environment with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. A voucher program allows them to shop at the thrift store for free. The store also outfits families that are starting over with some of the basics needed to furnish a new safe home.

The humble origin of the current second-hand store was a storage unit where clients sifted through donated clothing in paper sacks. In 1997, the first CAV thrift store opened in the original Cid's Food Market, allowing clients and customers to shop in more comfortable surroundings. As the Taos community donated more goods, the store moved several times to increase its retail space until it settled into its present site beside Subway Sandwiches at Paseo del Pueblo Sur in 1999.

The biggest and busiest second-hand store in Taos and the only one associated with a non-profit, Second Chances is successful due to the generosity of its donors. Good quality items are recycled within the community and offered to the general public at very affordable low prices. Donations are tax deductible when you ask for a receipt.

The thrift store's inventory includes an ever-changing selection of clothing, shoes, appliances, books, games, toys, kitchen items, linens, recreational gear and furniture. The sales of these items provide necessary discretionary funds that CAV uses for direct client services.

CAV hopes to break ground in 2007 for a spacious new thrift store to accommodate specialty is showcases, comfortable changing rooms and an expanded training program.

Second Chances Thrift Store
1046 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
751-4824
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday thru Friday
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday
Closed Sunday and Monday