Volunteer Spotlight- Bonnie Kallenberg and Finders Keepers Consignment

Bonnie Kallenberg headshot

Over the years we have been fortunate to have many incredible partners in our work in helping refugees and Georgia thrive. One partner that stands out in several ways is Finders Keepers Consignment. Bonnie Kallenberg and her team have been tremendous partners since before RRISA and RFS merged to become New AP.

Bonnie shared that years ago a case manager came to the Finders Keepers Fashion shop in Avondale Estates and asked if he could open up an account for newly arrived refugees to shop at the store. As they continued to talk, the case manager shared more about the work he was doing and who his clients were. Bonnie wasn’t aware that refugee resettlement was taking place so close to the store and began to learn more about refugees in Georgia, and felt inspired to get more involved in welcoming newcomers to her community. She wanted opportunities to give back in the DeKalb county area and partnering with RRISA, and now New AP, made sense and felt like the right decision.

Since that time, Finders Keepers has found ways to get involved with the refugee resettlement community in a variety of ways. Bonnie served on the RRISA board for a period of time. They have donated funds and items to New AP and have participated in events. They have employed refugees and invested in their futures through scholarship funds and other ways of support. Bonnie shared a story of one refugee former employee who is now in flight school and college.  Finders Keepers and store customers raised funds to help this individual with his school fees and he is doing well as he advances in his education. She considers Finders Keepers the vessel by which she gives back to the community and we have seen that mission firsthand at New AP.

Our CEO, Paedia Mixon says “Partners like Finders Keepers are rare. They have donated time, funds and items, and have also volunteered and employed refugees. They have been such a great partner in so many ways for a long time, and have been a tremendous support to refugees in our community.”

Congratulations to Finders Keepers for 35 years of business in DeKalb County! New American Pathways is grateful for your commitment to our mission and to our refugee clients.

If you are interested in donating items for our Secret Santa program, Finders Keepers is a drop off location! You can drop off items at any of their four locations.