A familiar name in the community has recently expanded its mission of hope and empowerment. Hannah’s Home, a long-standing nonprofit in Mentor dedicated to supporting mothers and children in crisis, has launched Hannah’s Harbor, a thrift store and job-skills training program that provides local moms with opportunities to rebuild their lives while gaining meaningful work experience.
Hannah’s Home has served families in Lake County for more than 25 years. Under the current leadership of Executive Director Vicki Krnac, the organization continues to grow in creative and impactful ways.
“Many of our moms face challenges when it comes to employment — from childcare to transportation or simply needing a safe environment to learn new skills,” says Krnac, “Hannah’s Harbor was created to meet those needs.”
Open Thursday through Saturday, the thrift store gives participating mothers hands-on experience in retail operations, from organizing and pricing donations to customer service and merchandising. The program’s in-home daycare allows mothers to work without worry, with plans underway to build a full-size daycare facility in the near future. Tuesdays at Hannah’s Home are devoted to life-skills programming, including financial literacy, relationship education, and personal development classes.
Hannah’s Home first gained national attention in 2021 when it appeared on a special nonprofit edition of Shark Tank, hosted by Daymond John. The organization’s renovation project to build second-story apartments not only won a $10,000 prize but also inspired an additional $130,000 in community donations within days of the airing.
The name “Hannah’s Harbor” reflects both the program’s mission and its lakeside location. “A harbor is a safe place for ships to dock — protected from the storm,” said Vicki. “That’s what we hope this space represents for our moms.” The thrift store’s tagline, Anchored in Second Chances, captures its dual purpose — empowering families while promoting sustainability through secondhand goods.
Visitors to Hannah’s Harbor can expect excellent customer service, a bright and welcoming shopping environment, and the satisfaction of knowing that every purchase directly supports mothers and children working toward independence.
We thank Hannah’s Harbor for their investment in our community and wish them much future success.
For more information or to view donation guidelines, visit www.hannahshome.org.