Eric Connor has lived in the Indian Valley for the last 30 years. He has worked at Merck and Univest in information technology and senior leadership roles during these years. Eric also serves as a Grand View Health Foundation board member, chairing the technology committee, and served as an elder and adult Bible teacher in the churches he has attended over the years. Currently, he is a member and serves at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia. Eric's wife serves as a Book Shoppe volunteer at Care & Share, and he looks forward to bringing his administrative and executive leadership experience in supporting Care & Share’s future.

Care & Share Thrift Shoppes is now a Certified Autism Center™, designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To earn the designation, staff have completed autism training and certification in order to better understand and work with autistic visitors and supporters.

“At Care & Share, we are glad you are our neighbor! We want to be at our best to welcome you to shop, donate and volunteer," said Sarah Bergin, Executive Director. "After going through the certification process, our staff is now prepared with the knowledge that customers, donors, and volunteers are all differently abled. By welcoming everyone, our organization is stronger.”

In addition to a vibrant volunteer program, Care & Share also works with over 35 organizations as volunteers fine-tune skills in areas like receiving and processing donations, customer service, and social skills. The Shoppes accommodate weekly to daily volunteer opportunities for individuals of all different abilities.

“IBCCES is excited to announce the designation of Care & Share Thrift Shoppes to show that organizations of all types can benefit from training and certification to enhance the customer and community experience,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.