In 2008, Ron and Erika Steuterman helped their daughter Jessie move into her new apartment. Jessie had been at T.C. Harris School before, and now had $1,000 to start her life. The Steutermans quickly discovered that was barely enough to buy a decent mattress, much less furnish an apartment to be livable. On top of that, furniture shopping was overwhelming for Jessie. Luckily for her, Ron and Erika were there to support her, covering the gap in her finances and helping narrow down her options so she could make her own interior design decisions.

Erika realized other individuals with disabilities aren’t so lucky. Most don’t have the opportunity to go shopping for their own furniture, due to financial constraints and lack of accessibility in shopping. “People deserve more. Everyone with disabilities deserves to have a choice.”

Together with Erika, Wabash Center is working to create Jessie’s Attic: a gently used home furnishings store, run by individuals with disabilities, for individuals with disabilities. Staff will examine donated items and reasonably price them for individuals to purchase with their own funds, creating an accessible shop for them to visit right in our Program Building.

We gladly accept and ask for:

• Home decor items like wall hangings, table-top knick knacks, and art.

• Furniture with wipeable surfaces and fabric including sofas, chairs, end tables, and coffee tables.

• Dressers

• Dining sets with seating for two to four people

We do not accept:

• Clothing, shoes apparel and other acessories like jewelry

• Electronics or appliances of any size

• Mattresses

• Housewares including drinkware, silverware, tableware, and bakeware

• Books and other media

• Items in need of repairs