The idea of Blue Butterfly Thrift Store started in 2020 while COVID-19 was affecting many people. Christian Family Solutions experienced a high demand of people in need of mental health services. The need to hire more counselors and expand the programs to other areas in Wisconsin grew. Alpha Resource Center was also affected but in a different way. Because everything was shut down, the ARC was forced to cancel all their fundraising events that support the free pregnancy crisis services. This led to the director of ARC and the CEO of Christian Family Solutions to join their ministry efforts into opening a thrift store that could support both organizations.
In October 2020 a location was found and we began our lease shortly after. During this time one of the Bargain Centers in Milwaukee was closing their store permanently. They partnered with Blue Butterfly Thrift store and graciously donated many of their fixtures and inventory to the store to help get us started. Volunteers spent weekends moving items from Milwaukee to Oconomowoc. In November we were finally ready to start the process of setting up the store.
We had many ups and down in the beginning, but we were able to officially celebrate our grand opening on February 1, 2021. As each month has gone on we have been able to build and grow each month. We get new customers in the store each and everyday. We have met so many wonderful people who love and support the store and it’s mission.
We are very excited about the future of Blue Butterfly Thrift Store and want to do all we can to help expand mental health services, senior and in-home care along with pregnancy crisis counseling.
Our Core Values are built on FAITH:
~Focused on helping others
~Always learning and growing
~Integrity
~Teamwork and having fun
~Humble
Blue Butterfly Thrift Store strives to repurpose lightly used clothing, small furniture, and house-ware products through our faith-based retail store. Our mission is for residents of Oconomowoc and the surrounding areas to have access to good quality, affordable products, in a clean, comfortable, Christian atmosphere. Profits that are generated from these sales are given to Alpha Resource Center, Christian Family Solutions (WLCFS) and Tomorrow’s Choice, working together to support primary ministry areas that relate to the sanctity of life, mental health counseling, and senior care services.
What People Say
“You really make a difference when supporting the mission of Blue Butterfly Thrift Store.”
Mark Klug – CEO of Christian Family Solutions
“Not your everyday ordinary thrift store. It’s a special kind of place”
Dan Neumann ~Director of ARC and Tomorrow’s Choice
“I want this to be a place where people can enjoy thrift shopping and have fun! Customer service is our top priority.”
Ashley Wenninger ~Store Manager
Blue Butterfly Thrift Store 