F.A.S.T. Finds: Shopping That Supports Student Success

The idea began when F.A.S.T. teacher Mrs. Wilson accepted an invitation to volunteer alongside her students at a pop-up thrift shop hosted by Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Hartsdale.

She immediately recognized something bigger. 

The experience naturally incorporated so many of the skills her students were already working to develop in the classroom: communication, organization, money management, teamwork, problem solving, independence, and much more. 

Inspired by what she saw, Mrs. Wilson partnered with the church to create a thrift shop experience for her F.A.S.T. students. Through the Functional Academics and Skills Training (F.A.S.T.) Program, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities work to achieve greater independence through hands-on instruction in academics, daily living, communication, social interaction, and vocational skills. 

The program first operated as a weekly pop-up in the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church's social hall. When the church preschool closed, an opportunity arose to create something even bigger, a permanent retail space. 

With generous support from SEPTA and countless community volunteers, F.A.S.T. Finds officially opened as a full-time thrift shop last fall. 

F.A.S.T. Finds truly belongs to the community. 

A parent volunteered his time to build shelving throughout the store. 

Students painted those shelves themselves. 

One of the first volunteer groups came from the church's senior community, creating meaningful intergenerational connections. 

Today, students also work alongside participants from Select Human Services through the New Hope Community Adult Program, the Nicholas Center, and the LAB School. 

For many graduates, these partnerships provide continuity as they transition into adult programs, allowing them to continue building skills in a familiar environment, a benefit Mrs. Wilson is incredibly grateful for.

Every donated item has the opportunity to make a difference twice. First, by providing students with meaningful work experience. Then again when it's purchased. 

Donations come from Pleasantville families and members of the church, while proceeds are reinvested into the F.A.S.T. Finds program, student activities like dance classes, and charitable donations supporting local nonprofits. 

The program is now supported by Break the Hold.