Foundation’s Resale Shop
Is Helping Ex-Inmates Benefit From Proceeds

By JOHN W. SIMMS
Special to the Chronicle

 

TULSA—Pamela Smith, founder of the Pamela Smith Foundation, said more than 200 came out to the grand opening of My Turning Point Program’s resale shop last weekend.
“These women need help, and they need help before they get out of prison,” said Miss Smith, herself an ex-inmate who has dedicated herself to helping female prison inmates achieve a better quality of life.
The resale shop offers men’s and women’s clothing and “a little dab of everything,” said Karen Hutcherson, one of the women with whom Miss Smith works.
Items like Capri pants, slacks and shirts with some designer brands range from $1.99 to $19.95.
The resale shop, located in Turley, employs women in the program, and money made from the sales pays them a salary and the shop’s utilities.
Miss Smith said she’s seen what female inmates have been through, and with her program, as well as the new shop, she wants to give them “a glimpse, a hope” that they can make it.