Ever since I took classes at Cuesta, I love to come back to the Achievement House nursery and get some plants for my garden. I really appreciate the work that they do. We turned into Cuesta at the most northern entrance and drove along the newly paved street back all the way back to the Achievement House where the nursery in the thrift store are located. It was a beautiful day and there was lots of free parking. We used to donate a lot here, but be sure to check the regulations for what you can donate. There were a lot of books and household goods being donated while we were there and it's easy to drive up and get them out of your car onto the little table there. We walked through the big greenhouse that is the retail nursery and found a few succulents that we didn't have yet. Because I started my succulent garden here. I do have most of these succulents available in my backyard, but there's always something new in different to try. We were warmly welcomed by the two workers doing their watering, moving plants and one man assembling succulents in baskets with different colored stones and gravel. This would make great gifts! I took a short tour through the thrift store after we were done purchasing our plants. There were many items that would be ideal for college students setting up housekeeping! read more

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The achievement house is such an amazing place. This is their mission statement from their website: We at Achievement House, Inc (AHI) are dedicated to providing services that encourage and support individuals with disabilities, so that they may successfully achieve their personal and professional goals. This was our first time visiting, and there was so much to see. They have so many plants outside for sale. They were beautiful. They also have a separate building with furniture for sale. When you go inside the other building, it's HomeGoods and clothes. They have a beautiful courtyard, and we were able to sit with our dog in the shade. I was able to find a couple things. I would definitely return when I am in the area. 8/24/25 read more

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My family and I have shopped at their Higuera store for a couple of years. The customer service has gone down hill. The gal with the dark curly hair is rude, never smiles, isn't welcoming, and snaps at customers. The other gal behind the register with the glasses is equally rude, disrespectful, and yells at clients and customers. She even yelled at my five year old. We've called to speak to their management but nothing is ever done. We will no longer be supporting this agency. They really need to do something about those two women. Not good for customer service. Such a shame that behavior is allowed. read more

So worth the drive out near the Cuesta campus to check this place out! There are a couple different buildings and areas to check out. Plants, thrift store and furniture store, plus a little sitting area perfect for picnics or just relaxing. The plants are well taken care of and are a decent price too. Many succulents among other plants. There are pots and garden décor both inside and in the little plant shack. The thrift store is packed full of dishes, books, sporting equipment, knickknacks, shoes, purses, clothing, toys and much much more. The prices are reasonable, yet not the lowest prices for used stuff. But it goes to a great cause. Nothing is too overpriced though, that's for sure. I've picked up quite a few items over my many visits; hats, small purse, vases. The furniture store is absolutely amazing! The prices in here cannot be beat and the quality of the items they sell is pretty darn good, depending on the time of the season. I imagine that students flow in to grab the good stuff at certain times each year yet other times there are some pretty decent donations! I mean, you want a dresser for $10-15, you'll find it! Couches, chairs, entertainment consoles, tables, cabinets, so much stuff! I like to make my way over there as often as I can when I visit, you just never know what kind of treasures and bargains you will find! I can honestly say that I've never left empty handed! Thank you!! CHEERS! read more

A way I can support special needs individuals to participate in our community AND get used items at affordable prices!

Last week two young men, Michael and Darrell picked up furniture I had to be donated to Achievement House. Both men were extremely professional and polite, as well as hard working. I would highly recommend this service if you have furniture you no longer need. Thanks for the assistance. read more

The guys showed up on time and with friendly attitudes. They were quick and efficient in picking up my furniture items. I'm always happy to donate gently used things that still have life rather than take to the dump. Thanks! read more

I've been shopping, visiting gardens for 10+ years. It's a place you will find all sorts of goods for home, jewelry, garden, plants, pottery etc. you can purchase in season vegetables and herbs grown on their own land. The succulents you find are wonderful. Prices are great. Everything you purchase the monies stay in house for training, salaries, etc. The staff is excellent and friendly. The manager Paula does a superb job. I donate all my goods to Achievement House and it's all tax deductible. read more

Friday they had some very nice people working at the Arroyo Grande location. However, Saturday was a different matter. I wanted a piece of furniture so I went back on Saturday because that's when their furniture is 30% off. I was ready to pay cash when they starting throwing obstacles in my path. I was told I had to remove my purchase today. No problem; if it wouldn't fit in my car I knew someone with a truck. I was told that I could NOT pay for it, take the drawers now and come back with a dolly for the frame, although I would be back within a half hour. And they would also NOT hold it for me to return with a dolly. They also said they would NOT help me -- a senior citizen -- load it into my car. I got the impression that their "rules" were more important than their customers. I suggested a final option and that is that I don't buy it. I will never set foot in that store again. In fact, at this point I wouldn't take it if they gave it to me due to all the negativity that accompanies it. My advice: Shop on Friday and don't buy furniture. read more

This is a thrift store and a plant nursery in a beautiful location. It is on the campus of Cuesta college located between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. Gorgeous foothills are your view. I found a few very interesting plants at the nursery. This is a nursery you will enjoy frequenting chest for the hunt of a new plant. I would not go looking for specific sorts of plants because the variety of offerings is not expensive but it is certainly worth a stop to plant collectors. The thrift shop is also a nice stop for thrift yours. It is a medium sized shop with good prices for a good cause. There are some lovely picnic tables just outside so it is also a nice stop on your travels. read more

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This thrift shop is nice, but recently the prices have gone up. They must have someone researching prices on eBay or something!! I saw some milk glass labeled with the maker and priced as if I was in an antique shop!! I also saw a cupcake tin for $5.00, too rich for my blood. Also, I was turned off and decided not to buy anything when I asked if I could get a discount on a chipped dish (I was paying full price for the other 3 in the set) and she decided that the price was low enough already and no discount would be available!! I told her that "low enough" is a relative term and returned the other items I was going to buy to the counter and walked out!! I will still shop here because I appreciate how their profits are spent, but will not pay more than I should for items in a THRIFT store!! They have another thrift store in Morro Bay that I also shop regularly. Follow-up: I have had consistent rude treatment from this same cashier over the years I have shopped here. In fact, I often sneak in the back door to avoid interacting with her. It is not just my being overly sensitive, other customers commiserate with me after seeing how she treats me. I have even spoken with a manager about this cashier and she said others often complain about her. If they didn't have some good things every once in a while I wouldn't continue to shop here, so there's that. And, as I said above, I do appreciate how they spend their profits. LOL, the older I get the more I expect reasonable treatment from the service industry. We pay their salary, they should treat customers better. read more

The bargains here are amazing. I picked up a few items that were brand new or near brand new for a few bucks. I wish this place was near me otherwise i would come here every week. The crew is amazing. I am so happy this place exist. They do good work at the consumer level and with the jobs they create for the community. The drive into the achievement house is gorgeous. If you come here at 8am you will be greeted by the wildlife nearby such as deer and wild turkeys. That alone is worth the trip let alone the deals you will find here. Thank You!! read more

What a pleasant surprise! Friendly staff. Great selection in the thrift store. Most impressive was the garden, hydroponic growing, and outdoor area with chickens. I'll be back. read more

I was very appreciative of the way the young people from the achievement house were care taking of our Pismo pier area Sweeping,emptying trash all around the Pismo pier. James Neil II was answering my questions with great care. All were busy. I called Rene at achievement house office and expressed my gratitude. FINE YOUNG PEOPLE! read more

Full disclosure: My son has been a client of Achievement House programs for over 20 years and I have volunteered in the Bargain Store for nearly 7 years. I also have done a LOT of thrift store shopping in SLO county over the years and the prices here are very reasonable with quality merchandise compared to other thrift stores. A little hard to find behind Cuesta College, but well worth the trip. If you're looking for a bargain come check it out and see for yourself. The profits go directly back into Achievement House programs benefitting disabled adults in our communities, so you're getting a treasure and helping others. Such a deal! read more

Horrible management! They treat their employees like complete crap thus promoting low morale. I feel bad for the clients as well as the workers that coach the clients. Achievement house needs to really think about replacing the current management. read more