Giving Grace

Our Why

Inadequate clothing can be one part of a sad equation that leads children to skip school, have behavioral problems, and academic problems. Many times, it signals problems at home including neglect, loss of income by parents and a lack of food.

Overwhelming research demonstrates that poverty can impede a child’s ability to learn and contributes significantly to social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or experience deep and persistent poverty. Research also makes it very clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. In Campbell County Schools 40% of our students are on free or reduced lunch and 500 plus students are identified as homeless. Newport 49.1 percent of residents 18 and younger live in poverty, compared to 26.1 percent statewide. Covington: 48.6 percent of the children are living below poverty.

The CARE Closet is a truly unique and special experience. We are the first not for profit kids clothing closet in Kentucky that allows kids to “shop.” We operate at no cost to the families. The CARE Closet’s mission is about dignity. The kids absolutely light up with huge smiles when they come to “shop.” For many of the children this is the first time they have actually been able to shop for their own clothes. We collaborate with schools but are independent from the family resource coordinators. The children "shop" for items they need, including tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, shoes, coats, books and personal hygiene. We support families that are living below poverty, homeless and very transient. Not only are the kids getting clean clothes, they gain hope, self-esteem and feel loved.

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