Catie’s Closet gives children in need life-changing access to clothing and basic necessities so they can thrive in school and life.
The Problem
1 in 8 students live in poverty in our community Many lack access to clothing and basic essentials, a primary reason for absenteeism, low self-esteem, and bullying When children don’t have their basic needs met, their future potential and healthy development is at risk.
Catie’s Closet: A Uniquely Effective Solution
Catie’s Closet transforms unused rooms in schools with high student poverty levels into a safe, welcoming space where they can access clothing and other necessities for free With their basic needs met, they can confidently focus on their education and simply enjoy being kids
Simple & Immediate
While other models require intervention by social services and transportation to a facility, Catie’s Closet reaches students where they already are – in school. When students are identified as “in need”, school staff can immediately escort them to the Closet. There is no other litmus test, and no limit to the number of items or visit frequency. Accompanied by a trusted adult, a child can discreetly walk into their school’s Closet and be outfitted for the day or even week.
Student Centered
Clothing is aesthetically arranged by size and type, encouraging students to “shop” for themselves. We are vigilant about placing current, age-appropriate styles in Closets and offering clothing and necessities that students are proud to own and wear. This approach gives children the freedom of choice, helps them fit in and boosts their confidence.
Relational
School administrators report that Catie’s Closet helps them establish stronger relationships with students. Providing a tangible and respectful solution serves as a platform for engaging students, helping to identify other needs, and making them feel like they belong in school. They learn they are worthy of care, love, and compassion.
Cost Effective
Volunteers run drives, sort donations, and manage the donated items for our Closets that supplement our in-kind and purchased goods. Because of this, one Distribution center in each service area can help thousands of children.
High Impact
While we focus on helping one student at a time, we serve an entire school, and our work transforms the school’s culture and climate. By providing confidence to students, we help increase attendance, decrease bullying, and allow students and teachers to focus on learning.
Catie’s Closet supports 100,000+ students in 135+ schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire on a daily basis. Our schools report that 93% of students experience a positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem when they have access to clothing and basic necessities.
Expanding our Reach to Meet Demand
Since our inception, demand for our services has increased significantly The children we serve experience varying degrees of crisis, including poverty, homelessness, foster care transitions, abuse and neglect, losing their belongings in a fire, and more. In every situation, they have an urgent need for adequate clothing and other essentials.
In partnership with school district leadership, we are seeking to expand our proven model to say “YES” to as many students in need as possible. To achieve our ambitious growth goals, Catie’s Closet is seeking sponsors to partner with us on our mission.
Invest in Our Youth
Partnering with Catie’s Closet ensures that thousands of economically disadvantaged children have access to basic clothing and other necessities Your investment, in turn, boosts the emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing of these students, as well as their educational success
We Need Your Help
Catie’s Closet operates three Distribution Centers serving the Merrimack Valley, Boston and Western MA. Clothing and other items are collected, sorted, and allocated to Catie’s Closets within the area. Each closet is stocked with over 1,500 items These Distribution Centers currently serve over 140 schools and support over 110,000 children throughout MA & NH, having provided 2 3 million items of clothing and basic necessities since our founding Your help ensures we can continue to expand our services and meet the growing needs of children in our community
“Our closet gets used every single day...the impact that it has on individual children is life changing! Children arrive to school with clothes that are worn, dirty or don't fit right. A trip to Catie’s Closet and a quick change of clothing can turn a child’s day completely around.”
– Partner Teacher
