Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

The Family Life Center in Shelbyville is preparing to open the Silk Purse Thrift Store on June 16. The store will support the center's efforts to expand its services into a full medical clinic, providing obstetric ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, STI testing and treatment, and education on pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

Family Life Center first opened in Effingham in 1994 with a Silk Purse store following in 2001. The stores offer quality used items at reduced prices. Clients earn "client cash" by attending educational sessions, which they can use for necessities.

A new Silk Purse was deemed necessary due to transportation challenges faced by clients needing to access stores in Effingham or Newton. Previously, a local thrift store collaborated with Family Life Center to accept client cash but establishing another Silk Purse was seen as essential for funding continued services.

Mary Hovis, Executive Director of Family Life Center and resident of Shelby County, envisioned opening a new store at the old County Market building. She began working towards this goal early in 2023. After negotiations with the building owners and community support through donations from churches, businesses, and individuals for renovations, the unused portion of the building was purchased in December 2024.

Volunteers are needed for the successful operation of the store. Those who volunteer ten hours or more per month receive $25 credit for use within the store.

Donations will be accepted starting June 2 at 9 a.m., with sales beginning on June 16. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., located at 2105 W. South 3rd St., Shelbyville, IL.