American Girl Resale Store, Girl AGain, Trains Women With Autism

When Marjorie Madfis retired after 30 years in the marketing industry, she wanted to do something to help women succeed in the business world – women like her daughter, Izzy, who is on the autism spectrum. In February 2014, she opened Girl AGain, an American Girl resale store that teaches young women on the autism spectrum the ins and outs of running a small business.

“American Girl dolls are my daughter’s passion,” Madfis told The Mighty, explaining her choice to open a resale boutique. “She loves the product. Many people turn to her and ask ‘Izzy, do you know what year this is from?’” That passion, Madfis said, helps her interact with customers. Not all of Girl AGain’s trainees are as passionate about the product as Izzy is, though they all are passionate to learn.

Now in its third year, Girl AGain, part of Madfis’ nonprofit organization Yes She Can, Inc., works with nine trainees, ages 18 to 23. Each trainee comes in to the White Plains, New York store for a minimum of two hours per week, with the training program lasting between a year to 18 months. Trainees work with job coaches, volunteers who are trained psychologists and social workers to hone their skills at a pace and environment tailored to their needs.

“The resale business provides a lot of task-based opportunities,” Madfis said. Trainees learn how to collect donated dolls, determine if they are sellable, package the dolls, log products inventory management system as well as learn competitive pricing. “You can’t just make up your own prices,” she added.

The store, which is open from Wednesday to Sunday, also offers weekend workshops with doll-oriented crafts, creative writing programs and other activities. “It’s an opportunity for trainees to do something different and be leaders and help-givers to other children who look up to them,” Madfis said, 

So far, the program has trained 28 women, many of whom have gone on to college and other part-time positions. “There are only so many women that can fit into this tiny little place, that we can support in this program,” Madfis said. “We are working on documenting our process and curriculum. I think this model could be replicated across the country to enforce job skills.”

To learn more about Girl AGain, or donate a gently-used American Girl doll, visit Girl Again’s website.