PREPARING FOR 2024
Our Community Partners’ Points of View
Stories Behind Clothing Insecurity
Kathy, Public School System
Kathy has seen it all as a social worker with the public school system for almost 30 years. Though she retired in 2019, she came back to work in 2020 as a Community Liaison Social Worker, supporting a region of schools during the pandemic and beyond.
As a part of her home visits and assessments, Kathy often sees that families are experiencing clothing insecurity. She has turned to Note in the Pocket to meet these needs since the organization’s early years.
“The families I refer to Note in the Pocket are very impoverished,” Kathy explains. “Many are experiencing homelessness or leaving domestic violence situations from out of state. They don’t have the finances to clothe their children.”
Kathy loves that Note in the Pocket is able to clothe the whole family – students, working parents, and babies. She has the chance to deliver the clothing and enjoy each person’s reaction.
“Note in the Pocket makes sure the children are truly loved by picking out clothes that are age appropriate and relevant,” she said. “They keep a pulse on what’s trendy and the right sizing. The children feel very special. Sometimes the kids are made fun of because they don’t have good clothes, so the new clothes combat some of the bullying.”
Kathy sees firsthand that clothing insecurity is a growing issue across the Triangle region. “It seems every year the need is greater. It’s a struggle for parents to get clothing since prices have gone up, and it’s hard for them to obtain quality clothing. The situation is not getting any better. We need all the help we can get.”
“I love what I do, and Note in the Pocket makes it even more of a pleasure to serve families because they are such a wonderful organization. They are well known in the community and do a great job of coordinating with other agencies and nonprofits.”
Stephany, Lucy Daniels Center
Stephany is a trained therapist and clinical social worker with the Lucy Daniels Center, an organization that provides mental health services for children ages birth to 5.
“The child could be feeling big feelings from events like divorce or death, or have behavioral issues,” said Stephany. “We experience what it means to be at home and see the needs and where the families are struggling. We see not just the clinical needs, but the other basic needs, as well.”
Many of the children Stephany sees have recently moved from other countries and are starting preschool or school, and their parents are looking for work. The families haven’t gotten used to the environment and don’t have seasonally appropriate clothes.
“Clothes are a big deal for children at this age because they’re growing out of things and developing so quickly,” said Stephany. “Note in the Pocket does a great job with children’s complicated sizing.”
Stephany also appreciates how Note in the Pocket quickly responds to referrals. She remembers a case where a child was released from immigration detention and had no clothes, and Note in the Pocket was able to respond in a day or two.
“The impact is ongoing and immediate,” she said. “Note in the Pocket is responsive, and they work really hard to get things going for the family. You know your work is going to be immediately seen. If the child has the clothes they’re proud to be in, or their favorite color or character, they just feel different and it makes a difference in how they go out in the world. The change is pretty immediate.”
Stephany delivers the clothes to the family herself and loves to see the children show off their new clothes at the next session. “They always have the clothes on – everything fits and they’re so excited,” she said.”
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Make a Financial Donation
Complete the form fields to make a one-time gift or schedule a recurring gift. Those who schedule a monthly donation amount will automatically be enrolled in our Confidence Club (monthly donor program).
Your financial support provides quality, well-fitting clothing to children and families across the Triangle with dignity and love. Your donation will be used to support our programs where it is needed most to fulfill our mission.
Donations By Mail:
Note in the Pocket,
9650 Strickland Rd., Suite 103-168,
Raleigh, NC 27615
Our Accountability:
We are able to accomplish so much because we ARE good stewards of our resources, maximizing the funding that goes toward our work ending clothing insecurity. Our program efficiency meets standards set by both Charity Navigator and GuideStar, meaning you can be confident that any investment in Note in the Pocket will be put to good use.
