MONROE — In a former dance studio just a block south of the Square, a new little thrift store called “RE” has a big mission: spreading the word about Green County’s Sexual Assault Recovery Program. 

Bright turquoise — SARP’s signature color — covers the wall where studio mirrors used to be. Those mirrors are currently stashed in the store’s back room, where SARP prevention and volunteer coordinator Krista Bethke now has her office. 

The store itself is filled with clothes, books and assorted miscellaneous items, some donated, many picked up by owner Stephani King, who partnered with SARP on this venture. King also owns Edelweiss Gifts and More on the southeast corner of the Square.

In signage, “RE” forms the words “REstore, REcover, REvive,” which King said they thought went well with both thrifting and SARP.

“Having a permanent storefront helps people know that we exist,” said Paula Vestin, a part-time rural populations advocate for SARP, so that they can use the services the nonprofit organization provides. 

SARP will receive half the proceeds from sales at RE, and King wants the store to be an affordable option. 

“Clothing and books should not cost you an arm and a leg,” she said. Books at the store will cost 50 cents or less. There’s a range of prices for clothing, including $3 for kids’ coats and $5 for adult coats. And all clothes and purses are half price on Sundays. 

King had partnered with the organization on a smaller scale before, selling books at Edelweiss and letting people know that money from those sales would go to SARP. She said it went really well, and Bethke called King a “phenomenal supporter.” 

Thanks to a significant increase in funding from the Victims of Crime Act, SARP was able to go from two part-time employees to two full-time employees and one part-time, upping what Vestin calls its “people power” from 40 hours to 100 hours per week. 

When new full-timer Bethke started at the beginning of October, SARP needed office space. King needed a place to put inventory she didn’t currently have for sale. Between King and Vestin, the idea of a shared space was born.

Vestin said when she brought up the idea in a staff meeting, her supervisor Kelsey Hood-Christenson was quickly ready to meet King and everyone there was fully supportive. 

“It all happened really fast,” King said, which is something Vestin noted is rare in the nonprofit world. They signed the papers for the building on Nov. 2. 

Throughout the month members of SARP and King have worked to prepare the shop for its grand opening on Small Business Saturday. They’ve had assistance from volunteers as young as middle school. Vestin’s daughter Kelsy, who works for Green County EMS, has spent time supervising the youthful helpers, as well as sorting clothing and shelving books herself.

Paula Vestin said she didn’t ask her daughter to do anything — she just “jumped on board.” 

“I think it is a really important part of the community,” Kelsy Vestin said of SARP. “And more people should know it exists.” 

SARP started locally in 2003 and works with people in various stages of recovery from sexual assault. That includes going to the hospital emergency department and being there when someone is undergoing a sexual assault nurse examination.

“Our only focus is on the person … what the client needs at that time,” said Vestin, whether as a friendly face during the examination, or suggesting a break during the exam if needed. They continue to work with them as long as services from SARP are wanted.

Additionally, SARP helps people who want to address a past sexual assault, or those who just want to know how to support a loved one who’s been assaulted. Part of Bethke’s job is community education, which could include presentations on everything from healthy relationships and boundaries to how to recognize sex trafficking.

To donate items or to volunteer, visit RE’s Facebook page at facebook.com/REnewREcoverREvive. Volunteers can also email Krista Bethke at kbethke@sarpwi.com. The store is located at 1111 16th Ave., Monroe. A 24-hour crisis line can be reached at 1-866-666-4576. SARP’s office number is 608-325-3142.