Denise Harner, Director of Retail Operations at Opportunity House
Denise Harner has been named Director of Retail Operations at Opportunity House. In this role she is responsible for its retail thrift store, OppShop and its warehouse.
A native of Parker City, Indiana, Denise graduated from Monroe Central High School. She studied Early Childhood Education at Ball State University , Muncy, Indiana. Later, she enrolled in the Navy and served for three years. She completed her training as a hospital corpsman and was stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois.
She and her husband, Scott moved to Pennsylvania where she enjoyed a career as a purchasing agent at Neapco, Pottstown, Pennsylvania and at Teleflex, Limerick, Pennsylvania. She previously worked at New Journey Community Outreach and at Opportunity House assisting with special projects and . Prior to returning to Opportunity House, Denise worked at Tower Health Reading Hospital in the Nutrition Services Department.
In her role as Director of Retail Operations, she is responsible for sourcing and supplying product for OppShop, a retail thrift store. In addition, she also oversees the Reuse and Recycle program that recycles materials that are not sold at OppShop. “We recycle approximately 80,000 pounds of materials each month including clothing, books and other items,” noted Denise. These included torn, damaged or lightly soiled clothing items that can’t be sold in the store. “Everything we recycle stays out of the landfill and reduces the impact on our environment,” added Denise.
“We look forward to Denise helping us grow our Reuse and Recycle program. This enables us to fund our core mission of providing safety, stability and security to people who have experienced homelessness,” noted Modesto Fiume, President of Opportunity House. The OppShop relies on individuals, corporations and community groups in Berks County who generously donate gently used items to stock their shelves. “The OppShop has a long history of being an affordable option for families in Berks County who need clothing, furniture, housewares and other essentials,” said Modesto.
In her free time, Denise enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott and their two sons, Phillip and Conor and their four grandchildren.
Denise volunteers her time with the Birdsboro Memorial American Legion Post 626. She enjoys organizing and participating in community service projects in the area.
(c) Opportunity House 2022