Heather has been with ReUse in 2024. She is currently the manager of Ithaca ReUse Center.
What drew you to working at ReUse & How long have you been working at ReUse?
When I first moved to Ithaca, I lived across the street from the Mega ReUse Center, and on my days off I would go every week to see what was on the floor that day. I really enjoy seeing the wide variety of items that show up on a shelf. I particularly enjoy asking myself what kind of person that item came from? Or, someone clearly loved llama’s…..why? What did they love about them? I also really love finding antiques. I've always been fascinated by old things. When I saw the job posting for a ReUse Center Manager I jumped at the chance to work there, and I’ve been here now for 2 years.
What is your favorite part of working at ReUse?
There are so many things I enjoy about my job. I love a challenge and this work is a challenge, one of the biggest of my career. Overseeing the operations of a donations center, processing center, retail store, a job training center and a community space is no small task. When you add on top of it the sheer volume of donations we handle and successfully process every week, it’s actually crazy to me to know that I’m trusted with this amount of responsibility. I also deeply believe in being of service to this world, and to this community. I get to live out my dharma or purpose at ReUse. I get to help the environment and foster a community of inclusivity, kindness, and empathy. I get to be a driving force in providing financial help to families and individuals in need so they can afford everyday goods. I get to be a part of building something that serves us all, and has unlimited potential to do good
How have you grown to understand the impacts of our mission statement (enhancing community, economy, and environment through reuse) through your work?
When I first joined ReUse, I had no real concept of the impact Finger Lakes Reuse has on our community. And I am so proud of the work my staff and I do on a daily basis. The ReMap program is especially close to my heart. Having helped many of our ReMap recipients on the sales floor, I see just how much this means to them. I have helped people completely refurnish their home after a fire, or get school supplies or a new doll for their child. It feels really good and purposeful to play a small part in that. Before ReUse I didn’t know that there was a ReSet Program. I think this is incredibly impactful for the workforce in our community. Apprentices get the chance to gain valuable job skills in one of the most supportive, thoughtful and kind environments I have ever come across. This program can literally change the trajectory of someone's life.
What do you feel you bring to the ReUse team?
I feel I bring silliness and joy to the team. I am a theater kid through and through, and I am hungry for joy and always looking to laugh about something.
Tell us a few fun facts about yourself?
Fun facts about me: before I moved to Ithaca I lived in NYC for 18 years and was a theater performer. I’ve performed on National Tours and in Regional productions across the country. The hardest role I ever took on was Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. For a while there my face was on billboards and on buses. It was surreal.