Elizabeth Dillon and Tracy McNair prepare for the grand reopening of the East Palestine Way Station thrift store at the First United Presbyterian Church of East Palestine Monday. (Submitted photo)

EAST PALESTINE — The East Palestine Way Station thrift store staff and volunteers are putting the final touches on the store in preparation for its grand reopening from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. The Way Station, which is celebrating 35 years in November, has had a location in East Palestine for just over two years. Due to their response to the train derailment crisis in February they are now expanding their services, programming and retail operations and will no longer be considered a satellite location in East Palestine.

In partnership with the First United Presbyterian Church of East Palestine, the Way Station will now operate in approximately 80% of the building at 109 W. Rebecca St.

“The needs have significantly increased in this community which has pushed us to hire more staff and grow the size of the retail store to help support that growth. We also plan to offer new programs from this location in the fall or the first of next year and with the space available upstairs we will be able to do that easily,” said Executive Director Chaney Nezbeth.

Like their other two locations in East Liverpool and Columbiana this location will be open to any other ministries or groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous who don’t have a brick and mortar building and need a place to meet. “We are committed to providing necessary programs that mentor individuals and families to build resources, have self-sufficiency and create sustainability,” said Nezbeth.

The Way Station’s mission is to reflect the love of Jesus to struggling individuals and families by offering job training, mentorship, emergency food, diapers and household items. Funding for The Way Station outreach is provided in part by the proceeds from their three open to the public thrift stores.