APRIL 11, 2012

Clothes for Keeps

Clothes for Keeps, Inc. is a new all-volunteer not-for-profit organization that was developed as a direct response to the growing needs of children involved with Arizona’s Child Welfare System. Clothes for Keeps supports the well-being of Arizona-based children and youth who have been placed in out-of-home care due primarily to maltreatment. This includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

They collect donated new and gently used clothes along with other basic need items and distribute them to children in out-of-home care, at no cost to the children. The items they receive from Clothes for Keeps “for keeps” and don’t have to be given back when they transition to a new home or back to their original home.

Due to the recent economic strain on the private sector and cuts in state governmental budgets, there has been a decrease in the number of homes and agencies available to service children requiring out-of home care. The economic slowdown has also increased the risks for additional stress upon families and increases other factors that place children at risk of maltreatment. As of March 2011, there were 10,707 children in Arizona residing in out-of-home care. Out-of-home care is any type of out-of-home placement including relative care, licensed foster home, licensed group home, an independent living subsidy, or crisis shelter for children. Their target population is primarily school-age children and youth.

They will gradually incorporate services for infants, toddlers, and those who have aged out of the child welfare system; up to 21 years of age.

For information about how you can help visit Clothes for Keeps on Facebook or email [email protected].