The Ultimate Guide To The Arc Foundation Thrift Stores: 2 Locations, 1 Life-Changing Mission In Ventura County
As of December 23, 2025, The Arc Foundation Thrift Stores stand as a crucial, two-part economic engine for one of Ventura County's most vital nonprofit organizations. Far more than just a place to find vintage treasures or gently used household items, these two retail locations—one in Ventura and one in Oxnard—are the primary fundraising arm for The Arc of Ventura County, a long-standing champion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Every single purchase you make directly contributes to life-changing programs, ensuring that the local community’s support translates into real-world independence and self-reliance for its residents.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the mission, the exact locations, updated hours, and the profound impact your shopping and donations have on The Arc's mission of full inclusion and advocacy. Whether you are a dedicated thrifter, a conscientious donor looking for a tax-deductible contribution, or simply a community member seeking to support a local 501(c)(3) organization, The Arc Foundation Thrift Stores offer a unique opportunity to combine sustainable shopping with significant social good.
The Arc Foundation: A Pillar of Support for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
The Arc Foundation of Ventura County was formally established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Its sole purpose is to raise funds to support the essential programs and services provided by The Arc of Ventura County, an organization that has been serving the community since 1954. The core of its mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion in society.
The financial model is remarkably straightforward and impactful: One hundred percent of the thrift store profits go directly to The Arc of Ventura County. This direct funding stream ensures that the organization can maintain and expand its scope of services, which are critical for fostering greater independence and a better quality of life for its clients.
Key Programs Supported by Thrift Store Revenue (Topical Entities)
The revenue generated from the sale of used clothing, merchandise, and other donated goods is channeled into a variety of vital programs. These services are the backbone of The Arc's work, providing practical support and life skills training that empowers individuals with IDD to live more autonomous lives. The entities and programs supported include:
- Community Living Services: This program is designed to assist individuals with IDD in gaining and maintaining the skills necessary for independent living, including managing a household, budgeting, and navigating community resources.
- Life Skills Training: Focused on adults with IDD, this training promotes a more independent lifestyle by targeting areas like personal finance, cooking, social communication, and safety.
- Advocacy and Full Inclusion: The Arc works tirelessly to promote the human rights of its clients, ensuring they have access to educational, vocational, and social opportunities within the broader Ventura County community.
- Self-Reliance and Independence Initiatives: Every dollar helps fund programs that directly give people the opportunity for greater self-reliance, moving them closer to their personal goals.
- Quality Assurance: The Arc of Ventura County is a CARF GoldSeal accredited organization, a testament to its commitment to high-quality, person-centered services, which the thrift stores help to sustain.
Your Treasure Hunt: The Two Official Thrift Store Locations
Unlike many large national thrift chains, The Arc Foundation Thrift Stores are a truly local enterprise with two distinct locations in Ventura County. This multi-store presence allows for a broader reach for both donors and shoppers, maximizing the fundraising potential for The Arc's important mission. Whether you are in Downtown Ventura or the heart of Oxnard, a life-changing shopping experience is nearby.
1. The Downtown Ventura Location
The Ventura store is a favorite among local residents and visitors exploring the city's historic core. Its location makes it a convenient stop for those already frequenting the vibrant downtown area.
- Address: 265 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001
- Contact: (805) 653-0271
- What to Find: This location often features a strong selection of clothing, books (earning a 5.0/5 star rating from Biblio customers), and unique vintage items, capitalizing on the foot traffic of Downtown Ventura.
2. The Oxnard Location
The Oxnard store is the other crucial retail outlet, providing a large space for donations and a wide variety of merchandise for shoppers from across the county.
- Address: 625 North Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93030
- Hours of Operation (Both Locations):
- Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Note: Some sources indicate 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., but 7 p.m. is often cited for the Oxnard location).
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- What to Find: Given its size and location, the Oxnard store is frequently cited as a great source for larger household items, furniture, and a general inventory of used goods.
How to Donate and Maximize Your Impact
The success of the Arc Foundation Thrift Stores relies entirely on the generosity of the Ventura County community. Your donations of used clothing, household items, and furniture are the fuel that powers The Arc’s life-changing programs. The process is designed to be as convenient as possible, making it easy to give back.
The Donation Process
Donating to The Arc Foundation Thrift Store is a simple, two-step process that ensures your items are put to the best possible use:
1. What to Donate
The stores accept a wide range of gently used items. The most commonly needed items include:
- Used Clothing and Accessories: All types, sizes, and styles for men, women, and children.
- Household Items: Kitchenware, decor, linens, small appliances, and electronics.
- Furniture: Couches, tables, chairs, and other home furnishings (must be gently used and in good condition, as the driver has the final determination on acceptance).
- Merchandise: Books, media, and other general goods.
2. Donation Drop-off or Pick-up Service
For smaller donations, you can simply drop off your items during operating hours at either the Ventura or Oxnard location. For larger items, The Arc Foundation offers a convenient donation pick-up service, which is a major benefit for donors with bulky furniture or a large volume of goods.
- Request a Pick-up: You can schedule a thrift store pick-up by calling the toll-free number at (800) 228-1413 or by scheduling online through The Arc of Ventura County’s website.
- Tax-Deductible Contribution: All donations to The Arc Foundation are tax-deductible, providing a financial benefit to donors while supporting a critical cause.
The Lasting Legacy and Community Connection
The Arc of Ventura County recently celebrated its 70-year anniversary, a monumental milestone that underscores the organization's enduring commitment to the IDD community. The Arc Foundation Thrift Stores are a key part of this legacy, providing a sustainable, community-driven funding model that has stood the test of time.
By choosing to shop at 265 East Main Street in Ventura or 625 North Oxnard Blvd, you are not just getting a bargain; you are actively participating in a cycle of community support. Your dollar helps fund life skills training, fosters self-reliance, and ensures that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ventura County have the resources and advocacy they need for a life of full inclusion. This unique blend of retail and philanthropy makes The Arc Foundation Thrift Stores a true local gem and a model for nonprofit fundraising.
Detail Author:
- Name : Bryce Koelpin
- Username : ulockman
- Email : dpfannerstill@ledner.com
- Birthdate : 1976-07-16
- Address : 76280 Johns Road Apt. 477 East Blairhaven, AZ 02086
- Phone : +1-847-541-0150
- Company : Parisian, Streich and Langworth
- Job : Commercial Pilot
- Bio : Deserunt omnis iure perferendis veritatis voluptas. Error non natus dolorem rerum. Quia asperiores tempore odit saepe.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/thalia_id
- username : thalia_id
- bio : Reiciendis commodi saepe nobis eum earum fugit eius voluptates.
- followers : 3066
- following : 2464
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/thaliawisozk
- username : thaliawisozk
- bio : Nobis est ea quia quo itaque cumque.
- followers : 1447
- following : 517
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/thaliawisozk
- username : thaliawisozk
- bio : Dicta odit et similique dicta deleniti rerum id. Unde dolor cupiditate ea et dolores et molestiae unde. Nulla incidunt in tempore quia qui non.
- followers : 1239
- following : 1630
