Children and Teens Clothing

Even with two full-time jobs, Jose and his wife Maria have combined total annual earnings of $26,000. That is less than the $33,000 lower than Federal poverty income guidelines for their family of five.

Their daily challenge: Allocating scarce funds for necessities such as paying the rent, buying groceries and maintaining their 1992 Chevy that gets them to work. What is not included are other necessities including clothes for their three children – especially what is essential to attend school every day. Their 15-year-old daughter, Anna, often ridiculed by her classmates for her minimal wardrobe, wanted to stop attending classes and talked about ‘dropping-out.’ 

However, the family found a solution. They now ‘shop’ for ‘gently-used’ apparel at GraceWay Village’s Boutique for children and teens. Families are encouraged to stroll down aisles filled with an assortment of jeans, blouses, shoes, underwear and school uniforms, and then select items of their choice. All clothing is offered without charge.

Every four months, they are welcomed back to GraceWay Village to pick out additional clothing for their growing children. They also receive pairs of new underwear and socks along with season-appropriate items for the colder months. 

Anna’s refusal to go to school is much too typical. Financially-disadvantaged children often become truant or no longer attend because their families cannot afford ‘dress-code,’ compliant clothes. Young, impressionable children, coping with an insufficient wardrobe, often must struggle with personal, emotional upheavals as they try to interact with their peers.  

GRACEWAY VILLAGE FIGHTS TO DISMANTLE THIS ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE.

Annually, more than 2,000 benefit from its Children and Teen Boutique. GraceWay Village gives students more than just clothing, but the self-confidence and self-worth they must have to succeed in life.