A s the photographer adjusts the lighting and rearranges a row of used furniture, Phil Malonson sits pensively in an old high-back chair, joking about current events while contemplating the rest of his busy day and mulling over new thoughts as they rush into his consciousness. Ideas are very important to the survival of Malonson and the people in his care. For more than five years, Malonson, a Woburn native and recovered drug addict, has provided sanctuary to those who are like the man he once was- down, out, and no place to go but up. Through his simple ideas, the 43- year old Malonson, founder and executive director of the Twelve Step Education Program of New England, manages to keep his 14 sober homes open and filled to capacity. The basement of the karate school on Main Street is now home to one of his brilliant
ideas come fruition. For years, people have given Malonson used furniture, appliances and other household items for his facilities. He collected so much that the goods began overflowing his tiny garage. It was then he struck upon the idea of opening this thrift shop to raise money some of his more indigent clients. ‘My main goal is to provide a bed for someone who needs assistance, who is indigent and willing to stay clean and sober, “ says Malonson, as he surveys the store that looks like a miniature Building 19- only cleaner. “It’s just a crazy idea I had on my way to work one morning.” Malonson started planning the thrift shop nearly a year ago, shortly after he bought the old Glendale Nursing Home on the West Side, reopening it as a
~ Malonson
residential home for recovering addicts. After finding the right location at 135 Main St., he began moving in the truckloads of used and refurbished goods. The rows of used couches and chairs are surrounded by lamps, paintings, old home goods, tables of all sizes, stoves, washers and dryers, knick knacks, costume jewelry, books, records, mirrors, clothes, and yard equipment. Although some of the items are out of style, and likely not to be in vogue again, everything is on sale is clean, functional and will serve any prospective buyer well, Malonson said. For a while, the preparation for the thrift shop became a bit of a job to the people Malonson helps. Those helping him with the store say it’s not unusual for Malonson, with a truck full of guys on their way to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, to jam on the breaks to gather up some used furniture sitting on the side of the road for the trash collector. >>>
By Lawrence M. Walsh - Correspondent WOBURN ADVOCATE Thursday, March 19, 1998
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