Connect to Enterprise (C2E)
Connect 2 Enterprise (C2E) is our agency’s social enterprise program that empowers women through workforce development. Clients enrolled in our C2E program continue participating in case management and commit to researching/applying for jobs using our computer lab while also being employed short-term in a C2E initiative. At present, C2E operates two initiatives, our For Goodness Sake, SHOP! resale shop and our Key Connections handmade jewelry venture. While participating in C2E, clients build important job and interpersonal skills that are helpful in securing and maintaining long-term employment. Items sold through both initiatives generate revenue for the agency’s programs and services.
Our Initiatives
For Goodness Sake, SHOP!
Be Stylish. Do Good.
At Connections of Cumberland County, we believe you can Be Stylish and Do Good. We aim to do both through our For Goodness Sake, SHOP! (FGSS) resale shop.
FGSS is the first initiative under C2E and invites the community to shop with us and positively impact the clients of Connections of Cumberland County.
The shop offers new and vintage items donated by members of the local community as well as our Key Connections items (see below). All proceeds support programs and services provided through the agency’s Day Resource Center. Categories of items sold are new and gently-used jewelry, designer shoes, designer handbags/briefcases, and vintage items/collections.
Key Connections
Unlocking Style and Potential
Key Connections (KC) is our jewelry and metal stamping venture that recycles old keys. Each KC product is handmade and is inspired by a client’s story. Clients select a word that is meaningful to them and describes their journey to self-reliance. They then learn to stamp their word onto a key and some even choose to share a statement about their word choice. With the client’s permission, Connections of Cumberland County reproduces the key and shared statement for purchase.
To purchase a KC item, visit our FGSS online store. All proceeds support programs and services provided through the agency’s Day Resource Center.
Shop with Us
Both FGSS and KC items are primarily sold online, via social media, and at local pop-up shops throughout Cumberland County. You’ll see us at summer markets, craft fairs, ladies’ night festivities, and more. Follow our social media to stay up-to-date on all things FGSS and KC. If you’d like to shop with us, please visit our Postmark closet.
Host a Pop-up Shop
Both FGSS and KC expand their reach by hosting pop-up shops throughout Cumberland County. You’ll see both FGSS and KC at summer markets, craft fairs, ladies’ night festivities, and more. Pop-up shops offer shoppers fun, diverse, and dynamic events at popular destinations, where they will find an array of one-of-kind items.
If you’re interested in partnering for a Pop-Up Shop, please contact our agency by email. Benefits of partnering for a pop-up shop include marketing and brand promotion through our newsletter and social media profiles. Pop-up shops are a great way for businesses and organizations to Be Stylish and Do Good.
Previous Pop-Up Shop Partners
- Pressed – A Creative Space
- Lake Gaston Brewing Company
- Winterbloom Tea
- In His Presence Coffee Shop & Bookstore
- Prima Elements Wellness Center
- The Cool Spring District Market
- Dirtbag Ale’s
- The Pickettt Fence
- Fayetteville PRIDE
How to Donate to C2E
Our C2E program relies on the generosity of others to keep its various inventories fresh and full of pizzazz. KC is currently accepting jewelry making tools as well as work gloves and safety glasses. If you have gently loved, high-end or designer items that you no longer wear, please consider donating them to FGSS. FGSS is currently accepting the following items:
- Earrings
- Watches
- Necklaces
- Rings
- Frames
- Scarves
- Designer Shoes
- Designer Handbags
- Designer Briefcases
- Vintage Items & Collections
(Items that can be shipped in small to medium-sized boxes.)
Volunteer in C2E
We love having volunteers in C2E! Volunteers assist staff and clients with inventorying, cleaning, photographing, listing, and shipping items. If this type of work excites you, please complete our volunteer application available on our volunteer page.
*Note*
C2E is slowly reopening after having closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. At this time, we are accepting volunteer applications, but volunteer opportunities through C2E are limited until we are at full operational capacity. Patrons may still shop for items in either For Goodness Sake, SHOP! or Key Connections to help support our reopening process.
