Atlanta Nonprofit That Outfits Homeless Teens for Prom Almost Found Itself Homeless

Enchanted Closet, a nonprofit that has outfitted over 5000 low-income girls since 2003, was displaced from the place it called home for 4 years, and needs the public's help to get the new place ready in time for their 12th prom season
 
ATLANTA - Jan. 8, 2014 - PRLog -- During a time when the Enchanted Closet, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, was preparing to commemorate its 10th Anniversary with a gala and to give thanks to the numerous people who helped to sustain the organization over the last 10 years, the nonprofit was faced with having to move out of the place they called home for 4 years; a place where hundreds of metropolitan Atlanta girls went to get outfitted with formal dresses, shoes, purses, and jewelry for prom and other special occasions.

The Enchanted Closet was housed in Sandy Springs thanks to a donation from benevolent business owner who did not charge them rent. Less than a year after the owner sold the plaza, the organization learned that the space they occupied was being leased to another entity and they would have a very short time to vacate the property. "We knew the day would come when we would have to move, but certainly did not expect it to come when it did. At a time when were preparing to celebrate reaching the incredible milestone of being in existence for 10 years and when people were looking forward to the holidays, we were trying to overcome stress and uncertainty with faith and optimism, and were highly concerned about how and where we would assist girls during the upcoming prom season. When we moved into the space, it was our goal to create a beautiful, enchanting boutique where girls would feel special, where they could display products they created in our GIRL$ Service-Learning Program, work and develop business and leadership skills. At one time, we had as many as 10 work-study students from American Intercontinental University and I am so happy that they have graduated. I would have felt miserable if they were faced with not having employment due to our being displaced, said Bonita Johnson, President & CEO."

Though the holiday season was initially filled with stress and uncertainty for the Enchanted Closet, relief came when a space about 3 times the size of the previous location was offered to the nonprofit by the same benevolent businessman who helped their dream of having a boutique come true the first time. The organization will experience an increase in operational expenses due to the cost of rent, utilities, insurance, and the renovations necessary to transform the space, and is diligently working to secure additional funding and in-kind donations.

The public can help by donating commercial-grade carpet squares, doors, paint, bathroom fixtures-lights, mirrors, sinks, cabinets, toilets, tile, and by making monetary donations online at www.enchantedcloset.org. "We look forward to recognizing our donors at our grand opening, said Bonita."  Interested donors may also contact the organization at info@enchantedcloset.org or 404-221-3498.

About the Enchanted Closet
Prior to the formation of the Enchanted Closet in 2003, prom season was a stressful time for many metropolitan Atlanta girls living in low-income families, foster care, and group homes. Families faced very tough decisions as they contemplated what bills they would not pay  to afford their daughters the lifetime experience of going to prom. The  Enchanted Closet, Inc. serves as a valuable resource and has saved families close to $1,000,000. By providing girls with formal dresses for prom, homecoming, graduation, and other special occasions, families have been able to direct their limited funds to maintaining their households, paying for healthcare, senior and college application fees.

The Enchanted Closet’s  GIRL$ Service-Learning Program has aided the development of and enhanced the self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency of more than 500 middle and high school girls at-risk for lower educational attainment, abuse, human trafficking, pregnancy, poor health and other adverse conditions. Through each Enchanted Closet program, a little magic is brought into the lives of the girls we serve.  They see possibilities they never knew and are transformed into “belles of the ball” with increased confidence and self esteem. The impacts are not fully measurable. However, grades have improved, there has been a reduction in high-risk behavior such as sexual activity and drug usage, girls have become more confident and comfortable speaking openly with their parents, they have taken on leadership roles in school, are more focused on a college education, and some have started their own businesses. This reflects the three main goals of the program which are to enhance their self awareness, self esteem, and self sufficiency. Go to www.enchantedcloset.org to view more information about the Enchanted Closet.

Contact
Bonita C. Johnson
***@enchantedcloset.org
404-221-3498
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Tags:Homeless, Teens, Nonprofit, Fashion, Prom
Industry:Business, Non-profit
Location:Atlanta - Georgia - United States
Subject:Services
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Page Updated Last on: Jan 13, 2014
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