LOCAL HEROES
A Boutique With a Bigger Purpose BY JACKIE SCHATELL
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The Love You Girl Foundation Boutique, Events and More in South Orange is much more than a boutique. Filled with new and gently used clothing generously donated by supporters and community members, the welcoming space invites people to shop, gather, and give back. But its true purpose reaches far beyond fashion. The boutique is an extension of the Love You Girl Foundation, a nonprofit co-founded by Betty Neal after the tragic loss of her best friend, Alice M. Jenkins, who was killed by her husband after enduring domestic violence. Before her death, Jenkins had confided in Neal about what she was experiencing, opening Neal’s eyes to the realities of abuse and the many misconceptions that surround it. In the wake of that loss, Neal turned grief into action, building an organization focused on education, awareness, and support.
Love You Girl Foundation co-founders Betty Neal and Mattie Crowley accept a donation from the organizers of Praise and Laughter in December, supporting the organization’s mission to uplift and serve the community.
The space itself is designed to serve the community in multiple ways. In addition to shopping, it hosts fundraisers, trainings, self-care gatherings, and small events. There is even a relaxation lounge where visitors can step away from the stress of the day, sit quietly, and recharge.
Today, that mission lives inside the South Orange space at 76 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ, where every purchase helps fund the foundation’s work. After expenses, proceeds from the boutique support programs that educate the public about domestic violence, assist shelters and community organizations, and help women and children affected by abuse. The boutique also provides direct support. Women referred by agencies can receive clothing for job interviews, work, and other essential needs at no cost. If the right item is not in stock, Neal and her team work to get it. It is one more way the foundation helps women move forward with dignity and confidence.
That mix of warmth and purpose is what makes the boutique stand out. It is a place where style meets service, and where a storefront becomes a vehicle for healing. Betty Neal has created more than a shop. She has created a mission-driven space where compassion is put into action every day, and where one woman’s loss has been transformed into hope for others. Betty Neal, co-founder of the Love You Girl Foundation, receives a community service award from the East Orange Senior Volunteer Corporation, recognizing her dedication to serving and uplifting the community.
12 | Vicinity Magazine | April 2026
For more information, visit: loveyougirl.org.