OVERLAND PARK, KS – Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is excited to announce the launch of a new social enterprise: estate sales. The agency’s latest ministry, Morning Glory Estate Sales, will provide an experienced and professional estate liquidation service to clients living within Johnson County Kansas, with the intent to expand the enterprise’s service area in the near future.
Morning Glory Estate Sales will offer a free in-home consultation where the Manager of Estate Sales will tour the home, determine the needs and discuss terms. From there the enterprise will handle the entire estate sales process, from pre-sale organization and pricing to final staging, sale and post-sale home clean out.
“We know that estate sales can be very stressful and emotional. We step in to take care of this transition that can be uncomfortable for the family of the homeowner. Our clients will feel comfortable in hiring us because the core values of Catholic Charities will be instilled in every aspect of the sale,” said Ginger Jackson, Manager of Estate Sales.
The enterprise will employ vulnerable populations and mobilize Catholic Charities supporters to help serve out the agency’s mission. Plus, all funds raised through the business will support Catholic Charities’ 30+ programs that dispense help, hope and hospitality to individuals and families in need.
Nearly two years ago, Catholic Charities internally launched a social enterprise incubator encouraging staff to submit innovative and practical ideas. Of the nearly 20 ideas that were submitted, several were chosen to develop into formal business plans, including a junk removal service scheduled to launch in the next fiscal year.
“There’s such a great wealth of knowledge and commitment to those we serve within our teams,” explained Lauren Solidum, President and CEO. “This was an opportunity to engage them, tap into their areas of expertise and invite them to share ideas that would align with our mission strategy of helping the most vulnerable populations realize their full potential and promote the dignity of work.”
Starting a social enterprise is not new to the organization. In 2004, Catholic Charities opened its first TurnStyles Thrift Store. Today, there are three stores dedicated to providing a dignified and affordable shopping experience. This past fiscal year, the stores generated over $2.4 million in sales.
“After the success of TurnStyles Thrift Stores, we knew that we needed to invest in ourselves to generate more funds to support our various ministries and further supplement the generosity of our donors,” said Solidum.
Items that cannot be sold through Morning Glory Estates will be donated to families in need through Catholic Charities’ Refugee & Immigration Services program and Family Support Centers. Items will also be sold through TurnStyles Thrift Stores, eBay or an online auction with proceeds advancing the work of Catholic Charities.
If you are interested in learning more information about Morning Glory Estate Sales or would like to schedule a free in-home consultation, please contact Ginger Jackson at gjackson@catholiccharitiesks.org or 913.433.2081.
