SLIPPERY ROCK — Angels will gather on Friday at a new clothing boutique on Main Street.

Our Angel's Attic, a nonprofit clothing boutique, will open at 11 a.m. at its new location, 140 S. Main St.

The new nonprofit will have discount prices on clothing that was donated mostly by the Slippery Rock community, according to its leader Patti Bicehouse.

“This dream was united in my gut when I went to Slippery Rock University,” Bicehouse said. “I knew it while in my first class that this was going to happen someday.”

Customers carry their items in wicker baskets and shop to the sound of vinyl records.

“We wanted to make it a vintage rustic motif,” Bicehouse said.

The cash register is old, but its age also makes it a better learning tool than its digital successor.

Bicehouse said that's perfect for the nonprofit's true use as a learning tool for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Bicehouse partnered with Tim Geibel, assistant program director for Merakey Allegheny Valley School, who said the skills the volunteers learn will go toward helping them enter the workforce.

Geibel said the adults in his day program are independent despite their disabilities.

“The great thing about this is we've been able to do actual training instead of simulated training,” Geibel said.

Geibel said Bicehouse and Our Angel's Attic was the perfect partnership because their philosophies align.

“There's a difference between being in your community and being a part of the community, and I know that's what she's trying to instill here,” Geibel said.

Shoppers will take their baskets and walk through a doorway to the left of the front desk where multiple rooms display the merchandise.

Bicehouse said everything has a price, even the dressers and containers. She said the prices are cheap because the nonprofit is charging just enough to keep the doors open. With a full staff of volunteers, including herself, the store is about work experience, not making a paycheck.

Then there is a special room just for accessories.

“We call it the Paris room,” Bicehouse said.

The room contains mirrors for color collaborations and accessory analytics.

Bicehouse said she hopes to serve tea and baked goods in the room, providing a comfortable place not just for shopping but communication.

“I want to see people helping each other decide what they want,” she said.

Not far from the dressing room is a back room where volunteers will be busy sorting donated items, learning how to follow directions, learning self-reliance and team-building. It's a team effort, but each person has their own touch to the job.

“Every volunteer has a way of doing things,” Bicehouse said.

Upon checkout, the volunteers will also wrap each parcel in brown paper and string before placing them in a handmade decorated bag.

“That's going to teach small motor skills, gross motor skills and staying on task,” Bicehouse said. “Everyone that leaves here leaves with an original piece of art.”

As customers leave, they may hear a mild jingling.

Another partner Sami Tuberville, owner of Art Full of Love in Slippery Rock, said customers and those who donate have their names recorded on paper angels. She then takes the angels and paints a small canvas version, which then is adorned with a bell.

“I've been collaborating with Patti because it's a wonderful opportunity for the community,” Tuberville said.

Bicehouse said she wants to play on the adage: Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings.

“Every time a bell rings, the little wings are up there,” Bicehouse said. “They've helped someone they don't even know.”