Special Treasures was established with a unique mission: to empower youth that are in or have aged out of foster care by knocking down barriers to their success. This initiative, run by youth, is a beacon of hope and opportunity across the United States, especially within the Statesville, NC community.

The concept for Special Treasures originated from a strategic planning meeting in 2011. Through these meetings, youth in foster care collaborated with volunteers to develop a business plan and design the store, making it a groundbreaking project deeply rooted in the foster care experience. Today, Special Treasures stands as a model of success, providing youth with a foundation to pursue their dreams and positively impact the community.

Located at 214 North Center Street in Downtown Statesville, the Special Treasures store is more than a retail space – it’s a transformative environment where foster youth gain practical experience and life skills. Each day, volunteers work alongside these young individuals to help them develop their skills and discover their natural talents and potential career paths. By participating in daily store operations, youth develop transferable work and life skills, creating a strong foundation for their futures.