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  • The Encore store on Riverfront Drive plays host to the “Clothes Closet” program, where immigrants, abuse victims or women in transition can come and get free clothing. Shown here are (from left) Bahjo Hosen and Alangi Omot, getting help from and Business Professional Women President Heather Thielges. Pat Christman

    Clothes Closet

July 28, 2011

'Clothes Closet' project keeps women in challenging situations looking good

By Robb Murray The Free Press

— Whether it’s the women escaping an abusive husband, or a newly single woman in a life transition struggling to find work, or a woman who has fled her country in hopes of finding a better life, one problem plagues them.

Clothing.

Or, more accurately, the lack thereof.

Fortunately, in Mankato, a unique partnership of organizations has come together to help women in tough life situations find good quality used clothing, and provide some friendship and good conversation at the same time.

The “Clothes Closet” project is a monthly event where immigrant women, women from the CADA House domestic abuse shelter and women in need of clothing to wear in pursuit of employment can come and obtain free used clothing.

It takes place at Encore, a consignment shop owned by Diane Volden on Riverfront Drive. Volden is the vice president of Zonta. Volden says Zonta’s original goal with the project was to reach out to immigrant women. Since then the project has been expanded to include women’s shelters, women with intellectual disabilities and women in need of professional clothing to wear to a job interview.

“Clothes Closet” project partners now include the YWCA’s Walking in Two Worlds program, Mankato’s Business Professional Women, and the Life Work Planning Center.

Volden keeps the store open after hours one night per month and sets out clothing that is “off contract,” or clothes that, with the consignors’ permission, are donated to the program if they don’t sell within three months.

“This is about increasing self-esteem,” said Christine Kile of CADA House. “It’s about empowering women who are trying to create a better life for themselves and their children. ... This event supports their decision to leave (an abusive relationship.)”

Bahjo Hosen said she came to the United States from Somalia seven months ago. When she came, she brought only the clothing she could fit in a backpack.

She said the “Clothes Closet” was crucial to her being able to piece together a wardrobe. It’s also good for morale.

“Everyone who comes, they leave happy,” she said.

Alangi Omot agreed.

“When you come to America, no clothes you bring,” Omot said.

Volden, however, said it’s not just about the clothing.

Thursday night was the third time they did the “Clothes Closet,” and the each time they do it, volunteers supply food and soft drinks for both volunteers and shoppers. When the shopping is done, they dine.

“It started out, we wanted to learn more about the immigrant women in our community,” Volden said.

Women are notified about the program via special invitation from a participating agency or nonprofit group. Volunteers set up racks of clothing, shoes and accessories for the shoppers, and tear them down when the event is over.

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