Prison Fellowship

Remember Those in Prison

  • DONATE
    • One-Time
    • Monthly
    • Angel Tree
    • Other Ways to Give
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Volunteer
    • Subscribe
    • Angel Tree Christmas
    • Pray With Us
    • Justice Action Center
    • Share on Social
  • STORIES
    • Stories
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • The Restoration Series [Videos]
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Why Help Prisoners?
    • What We Do
    • In-Prison
      • Prison Fellowship Academy
      • In-Prison Programs
      • Hope Events
      • Inside Journal
      • Women’s Ministry
      • Create: New Beginnings
    • Preparing Prisoners for Reentry
    • Angel Tree
      • Register your church or group for Angel Tree
      • Angel Tree Overall
      • Angel Tree Christmas
      • Angel Tree Camping
      • Angel Tree Sports Clinic
    • Justice Reform
      • Second Chance Month
      • Sign the Justice Declaration
      • Get a Copy of Outrageous Justice
    • Warden Exchange
  • RESOURCES
    • Subscribe to Our Email
    • Support for Friends and Family of Prisoners
      • Coping with Incarceration
      • Resources for Prisoners
      • Resources for Children of Prisoners
      • Supporting Successful Prisoner Reentry
    • Resources for Churches and Volunteers
      • In-Prison Ministry
      • Reentry Ministry
      • Family Ministry
      • Justice Reform
      • Mentoring Ministry
    • Resources for Angel Tree® Church Coordinators
    • Resources for Chaplains
    • Resources for D.O.C.
    • Justice Reform Resources
    • For Media Outlets
  • ABOUT US
    • Leadership
    • Chuck Colson
    • Our Beliefs
    • Financials
      • 2020 Annual Report
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
    • In The News

Opening a Clothes Closet

Minister to former prisoners by providing appropriate clothing for work and daily life.

57638298_croppedAfter incarceration, basic necessities like clean, appropriate clothing are imperative for everyday wear and for obtaining and keeping a job. When it comes to the story of the repentant prodigal son returning home in Luke 15, his father ensured he was well provided for asking his servants to get the best robe and put it on him. But many ex-prisoners are without a supportive family. And, that’s where the church can step in.

Considering that ex-prisoners typically return to society with no wardrobe – or the financial ability to acquire one – the importance of proper clothing is significant for success and feelings of self-respect.

For volunteers who want to help ex-prisoners build a new life, being part of a team to start a clothes closet ministry might just be the perfect fit. This team would help get the closet going, volunteer time when available, and recruit other church members to assist in continuing the ministry.

PLANNING A CLOTHES CLOSET MINISTRY

In planning a clothes closet ministry, consider the following steps:

  • Gather a team of volunteers who can help with various tasks in launching the clothes closet ministry
  • Make sure you have approval from your pastor and church leadership to start this ministry
  • Set general operational guidelines for the ministry, such as who will be eligible to receive clothing, how much clothing a person can receive at a time, whether you will be open certain days or only by appointment, what record keeping may be necessary, etc.
  • Choose a space/location for the clothes closet (i.e. church basement, empty classroom, etc.) and determine what fix-ups might be needed to make the area ready
  • Decide whether you need a bathroom with mirrors nearby so people can try on clothes
  • Gather donated or used equipment that will be needed, such as clothing racks, large plastic bins with lids, hangers, shelves, tables, chairs, etc.
  • Determine the types of clothing you will offer and have a church-wide or community-wide clothes drive to stock the closet
  • Announce days/times of workdays to fix up the clothes closet, sort and tag clothing, set up displays, and prepare for opening
  • Set up a system to keep track of guests coming in and number of items given away, as well as how to manage the inventory and keep the closet well stocked
  • Line up volunteers who will operate the clothes closet and make sure they understand operational procedures as well as the hours they are “on duty”
  • Set aside time during a church service to dedicate the clothes closet ministry and officially announce the “grand opening”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For more information on starting and maintaining a clothes closet ministry:

  • Read “How to Start a Clothing Ministry” by EHow Contributor, Melanie Williamson: https://www.ehow.com/how_5114667_start-clothing-ministry.html
  • Read about The Closet, a ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, and how they provide “Closet Dollars” (fake money) to “customers” who can “buy” items that are tagged with very low prices. This encourages shoppers to budget their “money” and make wise decisions. Read more at: The Closet Ministry @ Southbrook Church.

You can be a huge blessing to ex-prisoners by meeting their practical need for clothes, but also by offering them dignity and strength for the road ahead.

Icon

Opening a Clothes Closet

143.78 KB

CONNECT WITH PRISON FELLOWSHIP

Sign up to receive our weekly eNewsletter, which highlights stories of transformed lives and second chances, as well as resources and information from around the ministry.

SIGNUP TODAY

NEW ON OUR BLOG

  • Virtual Reporters Roundtable to Focus on Crack/Powder Cocaine Disparities on Tuesday
  • A Desperate Prayer: How Teresa Stanfield Broke Free from Addiction
  • #EndTheDisparity Virtual Reporters Roundtable Scheduled Following Lobby Week
  • Faith Groups Urge Tennessee Lawmakers to Address Criminal Justice Issues This Session
  • How a Cancer Diagnosis Brought Susan and 300 Prisoners Together

SHARE YOUR STORY

Do you have a story about how Prison Fellowship has impacted your life? We want to hear from you.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

RESOURCES & INFORMATION

  • For Families & Friends of Prisoners
  • For Churches & Angel Tree Volunteers
  • For Media Outlets
  • For Wardens & Prison Officials

PF®

NEW ON OUR BLOG

  • Virtual Reporters Roundtable to Focus on Crack/Powder Cocaine Disparities on Tuesday
  • A Desperate Prayer: How Teresa Stanfield Broke Free from Addiction
  • #EndTheDisparity Virtual Reporters Roundtable Scheduled Following Lobby Week
  • Faith Groups Urge Tennessee Lawmakers to Address Criminal Justice Issues This Session

FIND US ONLINE

FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN

RECEIVE UPDATES

Sign up to receive news, stories, and information based on your needs and interests.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

PFM®

  • CONTACT US
  • EMPLOYMENT
  • PRIVACY
  • FINANCIALS
© 2021 PRISON FELLOWSHIP®

Angel Tree®, Angel Tree Camping®, and Warden Exchange® are programs of Prison Fellowship®.