Local Nonprofit Changing Lives Expands Its Impact With New Thrift Store In Boca Raton
Florida has the third-largest homeless population in the country. In Palm Beach County alone, approximately 1,400 individuals are currently experiencing homelessness, with another 1,000 living in shelters.
Working to address this urgent need is Changing Lives, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by real estate mogul James Batmasian. Based in Boca Raton, the organization provides vital support to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through a comprehensive range of services — including food, medicine, scholarships for sober living and detox programs, housing stipends, mental health care, employment opportunities and seed funding for business startups.
Now, the nonprofit is expanding its impact with the opening of the Changing Lives Thrift Store in Boca Raton.
The store officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 25. Batmasian was joined by his wife, Marta; City Councilmen Mark Wigder and Andy Thomson; and volunteers, supporters and community members.
Local residents from all walks of life have generously donated lightly used clothing, shoes, accessories, artwork and furniture. Volunteers carefully sort through each item to ensure everything is in excellent condition, allowing shoppers to score great finds, all while supporting a meaningful cause.
“The Changing Lives Thrift Store is just a wonderful thing for the community,” says Wigder. “It brings a great opportunity for people who are having a tough time. For Jim [James] and Marta Batmasian to do something like this really gives those people an opportunity, and we are grateful for that.”
The nonprofit encourages the community to donate gently used items to the thrift store rather than discarding them or hiring a bulk removal service. Free pickup is available, and all proceeds directly support Changing Lives’ mission. Anyone interested in donating can also request a tax receipt for the value of their contributions.
Changing Lives Thrift Store is located at 2170 N. Dixie Highway in Boca Raton and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit changinglivesthriftstore.com.
Photo courtesy of Investments Limited
James Batmasian and community leaders at the Changing Lives Thrift Store ribbon-cutting ceremony
