Most of us feel better about ourselves when told we look like a million bucks. For many people this doesn’t happen due to the economic circumstances of their lives or because they have missed the counsel of a friend or relative who will wisely advise them on what looks best.
Julia Higgins, program manager for The Clothes Closet, left, and Clothes Closet chair Kim Houlahan, pose with some of the items available at Coverdale Centre.
Now, a new clothing program will have such a mission specially adapted to our community. It began as Dress for Success Saint John (DFSSJ) and has now evolved to a program known as The Clothes Closet. It is generously being hosted by Coverdale Centre Inc., which has been a supporter of DFSSJ, as has the Greater Saint John Community Foundation.
The Saint John region’s unique needs are being met with this streamlined, cost-effective model which has reduced rental and staff overhead costs while tailoring the program to a wider range of women.
“Dress for Success is a wonderful program but it focuses on providing only suits. Past experience has shown us that many women in Saint John do not wear suits to work,” said Julia Higgins, Program Manager for The Clothes Closet. Kim Houlahan, former Board Member of DFSSJ and current Chair of The Clothes Closet, has been a tireless volunteer and is committed to building women’s self-esteem and giving them a hand up, whether it’s for a job interview, new position, a special event or just to replace tired, worn-out garments.
“We were extremely fortunate in the fall of 2007 when we became the recipients of the proceeds of the very popular Divine Diva’s Divalicious Dance Night. These funds were provided to us based on our plan to build the number of referring partners and grow the program to suit more women,” Houlahan said.
The Clothes Closet is based at Coverdale’s primary location, 148 Waterloo Street. It is also taking the program to the people, so to speak, by operating gratis in two of Saint John’s Priority Neghbourhoods, at Crescent Valley’s Resource Centre and the lower west side’s P.A.C.T. Community Centre. The ultimate goal for the program is to have The Clothes Closet located in all five priority neighborhoods, alleviating the barrier of transportation.
“Clothing is not a superficial thing. Everyone deserves quality clothing. Such items help us to have self-esteem and a sense of equality,” said Shannon Campbell, former Crescent Valley Community development co-ordinator.
The Clothes Closet is now officially launching and publicizing the revised program and soliciting funding support, volunteers and clothing that, “you would want to wear yourself. We would rather have one appealing outfit on a hanger than a garbage bag full of items,” too tired to be a real morale booster, Higgins said.
Recently, one client was invited to a special event and went beautifully attired and in her first set of high heels. Supportive parents who often spend scarce resources on their children graduation clothing, leaving nothing for themselves for that once in a lifetime occasion now have an alternative.
For Women’s Sake, a sale of clothing and household items takes place at St. James the Less Church in Rothesay on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For $10 at the door, patrons can fill a container, with all proceeds going to Hestia House and Coverdale Centre for Women. To drop off donated clothing, stop by Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the church or contact Elizabeth Doucet at 847-9676. For more information contact Higgins at 849-3475.
Community Profile is a weekly column highlighting community causes and work done by non-profit organizations in the Greater Saint John area. It is contributed by Jane Barry, executive director of The Greater Saint John Community Foundation. Contact the foundation at 506-672-8880.
