Mission Moment – Our Sister’s Closet

Purpose

Our Sister’s Closet (OSC) is YWCA Spokane’s free boutique of women’s clothing that is available to anyone in the community who expresses a need. All of the clothing and necessities are generously donated to YWCA by the community.

Impact

For some of our clients, shopping the closet is the first time in a while they are able to freely choose or express their style. Other clients might be in need of some professional attire for an upcoming job interview or court appearance. A new, stylish outfit can help someone feel more empowered and equipped for whatever comes next. The ability to look and feel amazing in our clothes and to present ourselves to the world how we want is paramount to developing confidence after trauma.

Between our in-person closet appointments and emergency care package services, in 2021, Our Sister’s Closet provided over 370 individuals with items to help them feel beautiful, boost confidence, and support achievement of personal and professional goals.

Below is a quote from Malia who utilized Our Sister’s Closet with her daughter and received help from one of our volunteer stylists, Jean.

I had an AMAZING time. TOTALLY blown away with the fact that I felt like I was shopping in a beautiful store. The clean, organized environment, top notch clean, stylish clothes and the amazing help from Jean. She was so good at magically knowing mine and my daughter’s styles. My daughter is 24 with autism and on my way out to the car she said “Mom I feel like a real woman for the first time in my life.” Thank you my sister’s closet and thank you so much Jean. – Malia, OSC Client

Our caring stylists like Jean help clients shop the closet and find clothing that meets their needs. On average, each client receives between 3 to 5 outfits, plus shoes, makeup, accessories, and personal hygiene products, as they are available.

Appointments are available to anyone who is in need of this service. Community members can make an appointment by calling the front desk (509-359-1190) on Fridays between 9am – 12pm to get an appointment for the following week. Free on-site childcare is available for these appointments upon request. Please communicate this need during scheduling.

Watch our Instagram Reel to see what an appointment is like!

Opportunity

Our Sister’s Closet provides clothing and hygiene resources to an average of 7 clients each week. Certain items are always a high need in the closet, especially new items such as panties, socks, deodorant, and full size shampoos & conditioners.

We accept donations on Tuesdays from 9:00am – 5:00pm at YWCA Spokane (930 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201). View our donation guide here. To learn more about donating to OSC, visit ywcaspokane.org/clothing.