Special Finds: Resale Shop With Heart in Kodiak
Special Finds in Kodiak, Alaska, is a cool resale store that allows people with special needs to work and help their community. The store was started by Andy Conway, inspired by his time working with special needs students as a substitute teacher. Andy moved to Kodiak with the U.S. Coast Guard, and after his time there, he wanted to do something to help people with disabilities find meaningful work. That’s how Special Finds came to be—a place where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities could get jobs, learn new skills, and feel proud of their work.
Before the store opened, Andy and his team started a program called Special Friends. It was all about bringing teenagers with special needs together for fun, weekly hangouts at Berean Baptist Church. Volunteers from different churches and youth groups came to help, creating a supportive space where everyone could connect and grow. When the teenagers got older and finished school, Andy saw that there weren’t many job opportunities for them, so he decided to open Special Finds. The store opened in February 2022, offering second-hand items for sale and giving people with special needs a chance to gain work experience and learn essential skills.
Today, Special Finds is a place of opportunity and growth. It helps people gain confidence and feel good about the work they do. Not only does it give employees a chance to work and earn money, but it also helps them build skills and feel part of their community. The store has become a place where people can feel proud of what they do, and it’s also a place that brings everyone together, showing the power of inclusivity and kindness.
Special Finds is growing and continuing to make Kodiak a better place for everyone. Thanks to the support of local churches, volunteers, and donations, Special Finds is making a big difference, creating more chances for people with special needs to succeed. It’s not just about work; it’s about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to be their best.
2311 E Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615 | +1 907-942-2595 | https://specialfindskodiak.com/