Upcycle was funded in 2013 by ArtPlace America and was created under organizational parent St. Clair Superior Development Corp. With the goal of using art, creativity, and environment sustainability to strengthen the fabric of its community. The organization welcomes low-income neighbors and others through their part thrift shop and part community hub by providing fee-for-service programs to community and corporate partners. Upcycle has recently doubled its retail space by expanding into a second storefront in the Slovenian National Home.
The Program Director and Program Coordinator have designed workshops specific for the older adult population in terms of skill level and content, serving 160 older adults in the community. Participants learn about and create artistic designs from secondhand, upcycled materials. Recently, participants have worked on notebooks, pencil cases, and other materials for the book club. Oldre adults have suggested different creative projects that they would like to begin, such as decorations for the holidays and boutonnieres for church. The staff and volunteers look forward to working with the older adults due to their charisma, creative ideas, and sense of community from within. Employees have enjoyed watching participants form broader connections with new neighbors and watching their families join in on some of the services and programs.
Upcycle has just recently turned 10 years old and is in the process of planning a fundraiser and anniversary in the fall. The organization is also looking into expanding their programs internally to invite the community into their new space and allow neighbors to enjoy their creative freedom. Upcycle also wants to expand more senior programs on-site to continue contributing to this positive impact in the community.
Upcycle Parts Shop is a meaningful organization for older adults that brings communities together to enjoy reminiscing on their life memories and boost cognitive functions through the artistic use of upcycled materials.
