Girl AGain is our launch program for Yes She Can Inc. It’s a resale boutique for gently used American Girl dolls and all their fabulous outfits, furniture, accessories and books. This is where we work to develop job skills for young women with autism
After nine months of business, Girl AGain has outgrown our tiny 125 square foot shop inside Sweet Heaven Spa in Hartsdale, NY and so we are moving to our own retail space in White Plains. We’ll have 750 square feet where we can display our gently used American Girl(r) dolls and all their accessories. We’ll be able to bring in more trainees to develop their job skills. And best of all we will be able to host events for American Girl fans more frequently.
As of October 29, Girl AGain will be located at
4 Martine Avenue, unit 2B, White Plains, NY 10606
Right in the heart of Westchester County, Girl AGain is located next to Pizzeria Uno, across from the Galleria Mall, a block from the White Plains Public Library, and walking distance from the White Plains Metro North train station.
4 Martine Ave, White Plains NY , at Bank St.
Take advantage of FREE parking in the garage of our building (The Seasons) – you’ll get a token from us to exit the garage.
All visitors to our new location between October 29 and November 30 will be entered to win one of three $25 gift certificates for Girl AGain. (Drawing on Giving Tuesday Dec. 2)
Our phone number is still 646-833-8315
The whole Yes She Can team of associates, trainees, interns and volunteers look forward to seeing you in White Plains soon.
This would not have been possible without the contributions of many kind and supportive people. I am so grateful. Here’s how it happened:
The back story: It’s a Mitzvah*
Yes She Can became incorporated in November, 2013 as a non-profit dedicated to developing job skills for young women with autism. (We are a 501(c) (3) organization) In February, 2014 we opened Girl AGain, a resale boutique for American Girl dolls and all their books and accessories, inside another new store, Sweet Heaven Spa, in Hartsdale NY. We thought this would be a great way to test the waters for customer interest and gain experience.
In our tiny space we were able to create charming displays of our merchandise, build customer awareness and a following, acquire merchandise, host monthly events, gain media coverage, and most importantly bring in trainees and interns to learn new and transferable job skills.
I knew we needed more space, particularly for our workers. When we had two workers, two customers and me, the shop was crowded – not good for people with sensory issues. Besides, we did not have the space we needed to prepare the merchandise for resale. So I searched for a larger space. I called every real estate broker in Westchester County who had a “for rent” sign in any reasonable location. Almost none of them would consider any concessions for a non-profit. They would rather have the store empty than have a short term lease for below market rate. Only one was willing to ask a landlord for an arrangement that we could afford, and that landlord backed out. But I continued seeking, leaving no stone unturned.
In mid-September our fabulous printer, Andrew Dieckman, said his real estate agent might be able to help us. A few days later I met Richard Goldstein at 4 Martine Avenue in White Plains to look at an empty retail space on the ground floor of a luxury condo building. It was the right size, had great light, and convenient location for customers and workers. When I told him our mission, he practically cried and said he was committed to helping Yes She Can get this space for what we could afford to pay. He negotiated on our behalf with the landlord (who happens to be active in The ARC of Westchester). The building owner came to the store to meet me and approve the arrangement. Then in one day I had to find a real estate lawyer who would be willing to provide pro bono support. My friend Sheryl, who herself is a special needs attorney and former president of ARC, recommended her husband Rob who has a real estate law practice. (Did I mention that I have a great network?) So between Rosh HaShanna and Yom Kippur (the Jewish High Holy Days) we were able to approve a rental agreement and get a lease prepared and signed. Everyone involved said “it’s a mitzvah”
*In Hebrew mitzvah literally means ‘a commandment’. In Yiddish it refers to a charitable, beneficial act performed by another person – a good deed.
Marjorie Madfis, and Allan Friedman of Yes She Can with Richard Goldstein (middle)
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