Serving others through Just Cause

MINER - For Betty Sue Rapien, hers is more than a business, it is a cause. It's Just Cause to be exact.

Located at 201 State Highway AA, next to the Book Bug, Just Cause is the result of Rapien's efforts to help others, from working to help the needy to most recently volunteering at Camp Katrina at Benton, which served as a temporary home to those impacted by the hurricanes of 2005.

Her goal with her new business, she explains, is to offer customers affordable clothing, furniture and other items.

"This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I want to help others so I want to keep prices low so people can really afford to buy things," she said, pausing and getting a little teary-eyed. "This is really close to my heart."

It is a family project as well. Rapien credits the support of her husband, Jim, and her 12-year-old son James, with making her new business venture possible. Her son even joined in on the effort to clean and paint her new business location. It was her husband who came up with the name.

Rapien and her son, James, who helped open her new business.

Rapien and her son, James, who helped open her new business.

"He said it's Just Cause because it is just because it is needed," she said.

The building is quickly filling with an array of new and used clothing. Many of the items are western wear while there are also sections with shirts, children's clothing and even new medical scrubs.

Also there is a variety of knickknacks, children's toys and kitchen items along with some furniture. Also filling the shelves are crafts and craft supplies.

Eventually, Rapien expects the business to reflect even more of herself. A quilter and a seamstress, she hopes to be able to offer quilting and embroidery. Also she said she enjoys making square-dance and western-

style clothing.

Although the store is rapidly filling, Rapien said she will be adding new items on a daily basis. She plans to attend auctions and sales to keep the stock changing. Also she added she is working with customers who have special requests and will seek out specific items during her search through specialty sales.

Just Cause is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 1-5 p.m. Sundays.