Mega Thrift Store Coming to Johns Creek

No Longer Bound (NLB) is a 12-month residential treatment program for men battling addiction. Located in Cumming, just a few short miles from Johns Creek, No Longer Bound has been serving the metro Atlanta area and beyond for 31 years by providing long-term, residential, Christ-centered treatment that is affordable — made possible by thrift store revenue and the local community.

In January 2023, No Longer Bound will open a new 20,000-square-foot thrift store at 6000 Medlock Bridge Road in John Creek (where Shoe Gallery was previously located). All proceeds from the store will go directly to providing addiction recovery services to men in need.

“I am looking forward to our thrift store becoming a part of the Johns Creek community,” said Director of Thrift Operations Bethany Monroe. “We are consistently humbled by the support and kindness of people who donate, shop and volunteer with us. Every hour volunteered, item donated, and dollar spent impacts family legacies. Together we are saving lives.”

Overdose death is the number one cause of death for Americans under 50. The state of Georgia saw a 38% increase in overdose deaths last year, and Johns Creek is feeling the impact.

No Longer Bound is working to create both accessibility and capacity to their program as they enter the final stages of a campus expansion and scholarship development program.

Phase one of this expansion included a 56-man dorm, a new Dining Hall & Family Center, and a renovated Vocational Training Center. Perimeter Church, North Point Community Church and Johns Creek Baptist Church, as well as many Johns Creek residents have played significant roles in making this expansion possible.

“The local community is incredible in their support of these men,” said Carol Smith, Chief Revenue Officer. “It seems everyone knows someone who has battled addiction. It’s easy to feel powerless, las if addiction is too big of a problem to make an impact. But many people seem grateful to know there’s a place where they can actually save lives.”

No Longer Bound’s three thrift stores — in Woodstock, Dawsonville and Cumming — have played a significant role in creating No Longer Bound’s affordable model of care.

“We’re focused on saving lives at No Longer Bound,” said Executive Director Ben Tison. “Because our thrift stores generate 35% of the revenue we need to provide men a whole year of care, it’s possible for everyone to get involved. When you donate your items or shop in one of our stores, literally, you’re saving lives.”

For the past 31 years, No Longer Bound has provided a real chance for new life for men battling addiction. As a nonprofit organization, No Longer Bound is 40% self sustained through intake fees and revenue from NLB Thrift and Cars4Recovery. The other 60% of revenue comes from the grants, foundations, and generous individuals in the community.

Monroe said they hope to finish the store and officially open in January 2023.

"We are excited to open our new Thrift Store in John's Creek,” said Ben Tison. “We’ve been serving this community for over 30 years, and we know people of Johns Creek have a heart for addiction.

In preparation for opening the new store, No Longer Bound Thrift will be accepting clothing, household items, toys, decor, and small electronics starting in November. And they will be hiring full-time and part-time processing associates. For questions, please contact johnscreekthrift@nolongerbound.com.