An area nonprofit is holding the grand opening of its new thrift store location this weekend.

Abba House Inc., a long-term residential ministry for women battling addiction and mental health issues, has moved its popular store into the former Outdoor Traditions building at Ga. 400 and Hwy. 136 in Dawsonville.

The grand opening is set for 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"We've been working on this location for about four years, trying to get a lease on the building. It's a beautiful facility," said Jim Sharp, co-founder and executive director of Abba House.

"Right here on [Ga.] 400 is a great location. This was a successful operation previously, so we know it's a good location."

The grand opening will also include a fall festival, with a bounce house, face painting, pumpkin bowling and a hay slide, among others. Hot dogs,  hambugers and a selection of fall treats like caramel apples, kettle corn and cotton candy will also be available free of charge, compliments of area churches and organizations.

Currently in its 13th year of operation in the area, Abba House has proved quite successful, with 93.8 percent of women avoiding a relapse and 100 percent remaining out of jail.

The organization previously operated a thrift store at Hammonds Crossing in northern Forsyth County and continues to manage its first thrift store on Hwy. 9 in Silver City near the Dawson-Forsyth County line.

"We're really excited about this," Sharp said. "... Hopefully, this opening will bring more exposure."

Abba House currently feeds about 100 families a month at its facility. According to Sharpe, the organization hopes to help more women transition back into society.

"Our thrift stores are run almost exclusively by the women in the program," he said.

By teaching work place skills, Abba House is providing those in their care a means to gain work experience and training.

"A lot of these women have never worked before," Sharp said. "When you are young, start using drugs and drop out of school, the only job you know is selling yourself or drugs.

"We're teaching them to do an honest day's work and we hope this can be a center where a lot of women can come and learn job skills."