New thrift store supports ex-offenders

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A gently used clothing and accessories store opened in Fort Wayne Friday afternoon.  Proceeds go toward job training and job placement for people coming out of prison.

Blue Jacket Clothing Company, located at 2826 S. Calhoun Street, sells high-quality, gently used suits, dresses, blouses, shirts, ties, and other clothing.  It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Tony Hudson is the executive director of Blue Jacket Clothing Company.  He said leaders have been working to convert their previous clothing bank into the new thrift store for the past seven months.  After the ribbon was cut on Blue Jacket Clothing Co. Friday, he explained why he hopes to help train people who are hard to employ.

"There are a lot of people out there that need jobs, that need hope, that need to rebuild their confidence," Hudson said.  "Rather than them committing new crimes or floundering into deeper depression, we're a resource for them to restore hope and confidence in themselves."

Hudson said anyone can support their cause by shopping at the thrift store or donating gently used, business professional clothing to Blue Jacket Clothing Company.

The proceeds raised through the store support Blue Jacket Inc. 's mission and operations in Fort Wayne.

Blue Jacket, Inc. was created in 2003 to provide adult ex-offenders the tools and opportunities to become productive members of society.