Retail Training Center and Thrift Stores

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”   John 1:4-5 

Many of the men who enter the Mission through the Guest Program desire to make lasting changes in their lives and to begin to walk on the pathway back to a productive, successful life. The Union Mission Retail Training Program and Thrift Stores offer the opportunity they seek.

The Retail Training Program provides meaningful work in the Mission's thrift stores, repair shop, warehouse and other areas of the Mission's program. Work provides these men with a sense of purpose and self esteem. Men who have given up on life receive a chance to be productive and to restore their self esteem and dignity. During the course of the program, the men receive counseling, attend Bible studies and chapel services.

Men who are nearing the end of the program may rent a room in the Mission's Guest Quarters as another intermediate step towards independent living. The Mission will help them with rent during the initial weeks and with their search for outside employment. The Discipleship and Training Program is funded largely by sales from the Mission's thrift stores.

The ministry collects usable clothing, furniture, and discards from caring citizens in our community. These items are collected and sorted in the Mission warehouse and then transported to the individual stores for sale. Unlike many of the thrift stores in our community, 100% of the profits from the Union Mission Thrift Stores go to help the Union Mission Ministries carry on the work in your community.

To schedule a free pickup of items you wish to donate call (757) 627-8686 or drop them off at the Union Mission at 5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502 or at Hope Haven Children's Home at 3000 N. Landing Rd., Virginia Beach, VA  23456
*All donations are tax deductible

Thrift Store Locations:
5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502    Phone: (757) 305-9100 
       *Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

1100 N. George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake, VA  23323    Phone: (757) 966-2673
       *Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

*Store hours are subject to change