At The Clothing Shop, Youth and Their Families Pick Out New Looks—For Free
Michelle considers herself a “clothing artist.”
She’s the coordinator of The Clothing Shop, inside the Bobbe J. Bridge Resource Center at the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC).
The Clothing Shop is set up like a boutique. Garments are hung by style, size and color. The only difference is all the merchandise is free.
Young people who need an outfit for a job interview, or to go to court, or even just freshen up their wardrobe can come in and pick out what they want. The Clothing Shop is open to youth who are involved with the juvenile justice system, and their families, as well as any youth in need.
“I always say, if you look good, you feel good,” Michelle said.
This type of resource has been offered by the Juvenile Court community since at least 2008. It became The Clothing Shop, and found a new home when the CCFJC opened its doors in March 2020. The Clothing Shop has since welcomed a steady flow of young people and their families.
This makes Michelle happy.
“I get joy in seeing a young lady or a young man picking something that they really, really like, and really, really want,” she said.
Donations to the shop are welcome. Clothes that are “like new” and appropriate for all ages, sizes, and genders are accepted, as well as baby clothes and toiletries. Due to COVID-19, it is recommended that you call or email before coming in to drop off donations. Clothing should be cleaned before drop-off, as The Clothing Shop has limited facilities for laundry.
But Michelle does keep an iron and ironing board on hand, “in case I need to put a little iron on it.”
For more on information, see The Clothing Shop’s web page or watch a video: The Clothing Shop at the Resource Center — YouTube
