Get To Know Us
Our Mission
To provide high quality clothing and personal care items to women and children coming out of domestic violence situations, children in foster care, and families experiencing loss from fire or other emergencies within the Wayne County, Ohio community and surrounding areas.
The Beginning
Our founder, Maralee Martin had a plan in her heart that she couldn't ignore. With a desire to help those in need and partner with local organizations. In 2020 with the help of a few friends, The Caring Closet was formed. The new organization was able to fill five closets for women and children moving out of Julia's Place - the domestic abuse shelter at OneEighty in Wooster.
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The Boutique came to fruition in February 2022. The idea was to generate income from our abundance to purchase needed items for those we serve. All the while the dream was to create a lovely thrift boutique for those of any socioeconomic status to feel valued and special while shopping, finding wonderful items at affordable prices. The Boutique is unique in that it is largely by donation. Shoppers give what they can in fairness to the donor and those we serve.
Since Then
Through several location changes and a lot of growth, The Caring Closet has:
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Been invited to become a full-time closet for CCHO. We provide clothing, new shoes, suitcases, pillows, towels, and whatever else they may need. They bring the kids to The Closet to shop or stop and pick up needed items.
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Partnered with The Pregnancy Care Center. Their clients can earn bucks by going through their parenting classes which may be spent at our facility.
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Provided clothing, shoes, bathing suits, Christmas trees, gifts, and more for students referred to us by school personnel.
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Created a space dedicated to Foster Parents. When they receive an emergency placement, they can pop in and find diapers, strollers, pack n plays, highchairs, clothing; whatever we have available to help.
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Provided for clients from Children’s Services, AnaZao, One-Eighty Substance Abuse, Guardian AdLitems, and several other local organizations.
