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TESSA pop-up shop supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault

Posted at 12:56 PM, Sep 25, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-25 20:52:44-04

COLORADO SPRINGS — Shopping while supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault - that's what's happening at a new pop-up shop in Colorado Springs.

Inside the old Gap building at The Promenade Shops at Briargate is the pop-up shop TESSA with everything form women's clothing, shoes, and jewelry.

TESSA's Interim CEO Anne Markley said, "We have anything from Banana Republic, White House Black Market, Ann Taylor, Chico's, Coldwater Creek, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, you name it, it's here."

Each and every item "has come from the generosity of community members donating to us and so everything you see here didn't cost us a dime, and all the money from it comes back to us."

That is - to TESSA which helps victims in El Paso and Teller counties.

"That can help to support our safehouse, our 24-hour crisis line, it can help to support our advocacy programs...and also our youth program that reaches out to the youth in our community teaching them about healthy relationships and boundaries."

Since the shop's opening on September 17th it's made "around $20,000 and that number is climbing."

It's money that will help the 15,000 individuals in the Pikes Peak region who are seeking safety from their abusers.

"I think people definitely like the excitement of being able to come out and do something and know that they're making a difference at the same time."

Markley said the pop-up shop is open until September 29th and could remain open into the first week of October.