Shop with Purpose, Donate to Heal

A New Nonprofit in Rexburg Combines Thrift Store and Mental Health Support

In Rexburg, a local organization is making waves by combining the power of community support with mental health care to help women heal from sexual assault and abuse. United Voices Rising Inc. (UVR) is a nonprofit founded by Stacy Lauritzen, who has dedicated her life to providing resources and healing opportunities for women in need.

The UVR Thrift Shoppe, which opened in April, is one of the key initiatives of the organization. Located at 155 East 2nd North, the thrift store serves as both a community resource and a funding source for critical mental health treatments. By encouraging people to shop and donate with purpose, the store fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Lauritzen, who is also the founder and CEO of UVR, shared her personal journey that inspired the creation of the nonprofit. As a survivor of child sexual abuse, she experienced a resurgence of painful memories that forced her to confront her past. After seeking therapy, she realized that some essential treatments were not covered by insurance. This realization sparked a desire to create a system where other women could access similar care without financial barriers.

Through her own experiences, Lauritzen has undergone psychotherapy and therapeutic ketamine treatments. She credits these interventions with helping her process traumatic memories and regain control over her life. According to the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, ketamine therapy involves using low doses of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, to treat conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

The UVR Thrift Shoppe plays a vital role in funding these treatments. The store is stocked with donated items from businesses and individuals, and the revenue generated from sales supports mental health services for women. Currently, the funds raised are sufficient to begin treatments for one woman, with the goal of helping one local woman per month.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a comprehensive approach that includes preparation, treatment sessions, integration, psychotherapy, medical and psychological assessments, and aftercare. Each treatment cycle lasts six weeks and costs approximately $6,000. Women interested in this program can apply online through the nonprofit’s website during August. A board consisting of four women and one man will review applications and determine who receives the treatment.

Lauritzen acknowledges that KAP is not suitable for everyone, but for those who benefit from it, the results can be transformative. She emphasizes that the treatment helped her open up and confront difficult memories without shutting down. Having a trusted therapist by her side was crucial in her recovery, allowing her to return to her roles as a wife, mother, and business owner.

The mission of United Voices Rising is to ensure that every woman has access to the care and support needed to heal. Lauritzen encourages survivors to know that there is hope and that the community can play a significant role in supporting this cause. Through the thrift store, residents can contribute to helping other women in their community.

By merging the concept of a thrift store with mental health advocacy, UVR is creating a unique model that addresses both economic and emotional needs. The organization's efforts highlight the importance of community involvement and the power of collective action in making a difference in the lives of others.