Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Davis.
Hi Rita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from Hershey Medical School as a Physician Assistant in 1982, but life took me in a different direction—I became a stay-at-home mom to three children and later ran a small business for nearly two decades. After selling my business in 2013, I searched for meaningful ways to spend my newfound free time.
Eager to use my medical expertise, I began volunteering with the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN), enrolling in disaster relief courses such as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
Between 2013 and 2016, severe floods struck the Austin region. While helping at a survivor distribution center, I noticed the overwhelming influx of donations—especially clothing—which were poorly organized, making distribution challenging. It felt like a crisis within a crisis and convinced me that another approach was necessary.
Soon after, ADRN introduced plans to open a thrift store—both to raise funds for the organization and to create an efficient distribution hub for disaster survivors. The idea resonated deeply, and I knew I wanted to be involved.
Our inaugural store launched in March 2015 in the Mueller neighborhood, operating there for eight years until redevelopment forced us to relocate. By then, we had already established a second location in Wells Branch, where we continue to serve the community. We marked our third anniversary at this site in February.
Over the past eleven years, my responsibilities at Hope Family Thrift Store have shifted, though I’ve consistently served as a volunteer. My journey has taken me from a general volunteer to Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Executive Director, and now General Manager. Recently, we hired a seasoned Executive Director with twenty-five years’ experience in the thrift store industry, and I am delighted to assist him administratively.
I am grateful to dedicate my spare time to such a deserving organization and to work alongside committed individuals whose efforts directly support those facing crises.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The disaster relief industry faces many struggles and challenges, as it involves supporting survivors through extremely difficult times. Wanting so badly to make things better, I found myself frustrated, but I also learned that simply listening, showing empathy, and providing essentials—like a simple pair of clean socks—can make a significant difference.
There is a tension between trying to raise funds for the work of ADRN and the community needs that are all around. Finding the balance between accomplishing both has been another challenge.
On the operations side, managing eager volunteers during disasters is both helpful and difficult, often requiring strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Volunteers cannot be handled the same as a paid employee. They are a huge blessing and must be valued in a different way.
As a volunteer, I was typically only present a few days a week, overseeing the store part-time or remotely. I struggled to run the store efficiently because I wasn’t there full-time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a strong Christian faith that propels me forward in everything I do. My faith gives me incentive day by day to carry out the good work that I have before me. I find great joy in the work that I do as I see the effects it has on survivors, fellow volunteers, store employees, and customers. I have a hope and a joy in my life, and do what I can to share that with others who may be looking for that same confidence in who God made them to be.
What matters most to you?
The most important thing to me is that my employees and volunteers find great reward in doing their job knowing that what they are doing is making a difference in the lives of others. I want to see them fulfilled in their work and grow emotionally and spiritually into the person they want to be. I want them to feel they are a significant member of the HFTS family and enjoy the love of a committed community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hopefamilythrift.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefamilythrift/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeFamilyThriftStore
