A cove is considered a safe harbour in a storm.
“Bro’s Cove” in Cranbrook is no different.
The men’s consignment store opened in September 2018 and is run by the Kootenay Initiative Program (KIP), one of Interior Health’s Community Mental Health Programs. It offers support and training for men with mental illness.
“It isn’t just a job for me. It’s a safe environment, where I feel better,” says Brandon. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment that everyone needs. I feel like this is a really good place. All the help they give me – it’s a God send.”
Brandon is one of eight staff members who work in the store. Many of them were part of the initial planning and have been involved in developing the store from the ground up, taking business courses and building a business plan, marketing, gathering donations and designing the store, right down to picking the name and the surfside décor theme. In planning for the store, the green aspect of recycling clothing was appealing to the group. And as an added bonus – there are great deals to be had.
“These fellows all have a chronic and persistent mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Many have struggled to be accepted their whole life, and here they can be exactly who they are. We will work with them to help them become the best they can be by becoming involved in a work program. It is our hope that the clients move toward a future that feels hopeful, promising and meaningful,” says Program Coordinator Donalee Duncan.
“The store also provides a connection to the larger community. We know that work is essential to recovery and growth. Work enhances self-esteem, social belonging and independence.”
The program is based on the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery. That’s the medical term for a program that promotes personal recovery, community integration, and satisfactory quality of life for persons who have a mental illness.
Bro's Cove is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and employs eight people.
“We are the only men’s consignment store in town. We offer a great price and it’s a great place to work,” says Brandon.
Brandon works at the store every Friday. He keeps busy taking in consignments from customers and getting the clothes onto the floor. He runs the till most days, and enjoys his interactions with coworkers and the public – an important part of healing and wellness.
Ryan, a fellow staff member at the store, agrees. The experience has helped him not only boost his confidence but, the experience of helping to develop the business case allowed him to use his business background (he co-founded a roofing company in the past).
“I did a lot of the development with the business group (Business Initiative Program). I learned a lot. I have a lot of prior business experience, and took a lot of business courses. I got to utilize a lot of what I learned.”
“I get a good feeling from using what I learned. I like working with people, and the customers that come in really like it. It’s a good service to the community too. We have a lot of regular customers who come in. They have lots of positive comments about the store.”
“It makes me feel successful.”
