If any of you have read any of my articles here on fab40, MORE online or the links to the OC Register, you know that I am very interested in writing things on how women overcome domestic violence, teens that have had to live with it and those who have hearts and minds to help the victims.

With this in mind, I wanted to tell about a new re-sale venue that has re-opened to a new location in my county.  It is along the same lines as the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Discovery Stores.  If you haven't heard of it, it is essentially a store that re-sells high end product and the proceeds go entirely to the ACS.

The place I'm telling you about today is a wonderful shop that does the same but the proceeds go entirely to help support Laura's House in Orange County California.  Laura's House is a safe haven for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.  The non-profit not only has a shelter, but counseling, classes and many other forms of assistance available.  Their motto "Ending the Silence of Domestic Abuse".

I've been fortunate enough to work with the splendid people of Laura's House for a couple of articles-they are caring, warm and totally devoted to helping all who come through their program.

The shop is called Portobello Road.   I went to the Grand Opening and found so many beautiful items-everything from custom made men's wool suits and full length mink coats to children's books and clothes.  They also had home furnishings and décor, as well as books for the entire family!

Being a woman whom, again, walks the walk and talks the talk about helping those women in need-I wound up buying several items for my grandkids.  I phoned my family and had them come down and take a look at what was there.

Of course being a re-sale venue, the store will be changing all the time.  But knowing the people behind Laura's House and those who believe in them, the quality and choices will not.

Some of the people who were shopping on opening day said that this was the only store like it from San Diego clear through Los Angeles.  I concur.  Many of the crowd were buyers who felt good about purchasing the items and essentially helping fellow women everywhere and then use the items for re-sale uses of their own.

The management of Portobello Road intends on keeping the store stocked with designer and high end merchandise but welcomes donations of all kinds.  Whatever isn't put out for sale is re-donated to several worthy charities in Mexico.

Each year Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls.  Plus they have a special program that goes out into the local high schools, churches and other facilities to make teens aware about the dangers of being in an abusive relationship.

Where is Portobello Road?  It's located in a newly re-furbished strip mall at 23635 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA  92630.  For more information call 949-472-8800.  For more information about Laura's House log onto:  [Link Removed]

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