Special Everly Window Display At Magpie Thrift in Capitol Hill

The window display shows a pile of boxes in the center, placed as though messily stacked while packing or unpacking after a move. Each box has a colored piece of paper on it describing the different steps we go through when we work with clients in our senior program. Here's what they say:

• The Step-by-step Everly Senior Downsizing Program

• Step 1: Get to Know Our Clients!
  We start by simply hearing out our client’s stories, getting to know what their biggest issue with their space is, and assessing how we can best assist whether they’re moving out or just downsizing.

• Step 2: Recycling and Donating
  Next, we start with what can go, whether that means recycling, trashing, or potentially donating any items our client no longer needs or does not have space for depending on what condition they’re in.

• Step 3: Packing and/or Reorganizing
  Then, it’s time to sort through what’s left. Here, we’ll work together to create organized systems for making an existing space more usable OR get ready to pack things up to move somewhere new.

• Step 4: Additional Services
  If a client has the capacity to pay for cleaners or movers, we will help coordinate these services from trusted vendors.

  We are currently looking for cleaners and movers interested in partnering with our program to offer more affordable options to clients in need of greater assistance!

• Step 5: Finishing Touches
  Finally, it’s time to take our client’s space and make it feel like home. Sometimes it’s the small things, like hanging up a painting or setting out some flowers, that make the biggest difference!

On the left side of the window a mannequin wears a classic 1980s look: brightly colored geometric sweater in red, light-wash vintage Levi's, and a pair of classic white Nikes. The mannequin stands in front of a classic rainbow flag hung next to a 2D cut out of a red fir tree with glowing lights and different names written on slips of paper, a World AIDs Day Tree in honor of the first World's AIDs Day on Dec 1st 1988 and some hand-me-down props, a giant condom and an oversized donation can from our store's predecessor, the former Lifelong Thrift.

In the center of the window, above the movie boxes, is the phrase, "Giving back to those who led the way." Our senior program aims to help primarily Queer elders receive support through challenging transitional phases in their life. Often LGBTQ folks might not have the biological family to call for support as they age, as our history is deeply tied to Seattle Queer community, it's only right that we give back to the folks who made our city what it is today.

On the right side of the moving boxes, stands another mannequin, this one in front of an inclusive progress pride flag, dressed in modern clothes, a happy face sweater over a button up with a bucket hat and pastel Nikes. On the floor is a framed AIDs Housing Project T-shirt.

We hope this display shows how much we care about our community's history! Please get in touch with reno@everlyseattle.org for client referrals or other ways we might be able to help the LGBTQ+ seniors in our areas.