MIAMI — The Women’s Alliance has created Chapter 2™, a modern, high-quality urban resale store featuring women’s and men’s quality fashions, which allows shoppers to get great bargains while supporting a good cause. This unique not-for-profit social enterprise project will open on Friday, February 3, 2006 at Dorsey House as part of the revitalization of Overtown.
The Women’s Alliance, a Miami-based national nonprofit organization of community-based women’s groups, will use revenue from the sales at Chapter 2™ to help provide professional attire, career skills training and support for low-income women seeking employment.
Much of the merchandise comes from the literally tons of contributions The Women’s Alliance, one of the largest purveyors of professional women’s clothing in the country, collects annually. Chapter 2™ addresses the ongoing challenge of redirecting this excess surplus, which ranges from casual attire to designer labels.
A $200,000 grant over three years from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation gives Chapter 2™ its auspicious beginning. Jim Scott, managing partner at Mono, a nationally recognized branding and advertising agency, worked to create the brand identity, store environment and overall communications for Chapter 2™. The Women’s Alliance Executive Director Nicole Wild explains: “The philosophy behind the name suggests that with the right tools, people can move their lives from one chapter to the next, progressing from poverty, homelessness and desperation to achievement and economic self-sufficiency.”
“This enterprise both serves the community and gives back to the community,” said Suzette L. Harvey, program officer for Knight Foundation. Knight Foundation seeks to support innovative programs such as Chapter 2™ that provide skills and abilities for individuals to become more self-sufficient.
Adds Minda Logan, CEO of The Black Archives, which owns Dorsey House, “It’s wonderful to have The Women’s Alliance bring a concept like Chapter 2™ to Overtown.”
BUT CHAPTER 2™ NEEDS YOUR HELP.
Chapter 2™ accepts clothing donations on Saturdays (starting February 11) between 10am-2pm at Dorsey House, 250 NW 9th Street. Donation receipts are provided for tax purposes and donations must be clean, pressed and on hangers, if applicable. Volunteer opportunities with Chapter 2™ are also available.
CHAPTER 2™ ACCEPTS:
- Modern Casual and Dress Clothing
- Designer Suits
- Designer Separates
- Blouses, Shirts and Tops
- Jeans and Trousers
- Jewelry and Accessories
- Shoes in Good Condition
- Urban Brand Clothing and Sportswear
- Department Store Shopping Bags
About The Women’s Alliance
The Women’s Alliance is a national organization of independent community-based members who provide professional attire, career skills training and related services to low-income women seeking employment.
Each year, The Women’s Alliance helps more than 50,000 women in transition from welfare and poverty to overcome significant employment barriers and the “cost of making a good appearance.” Services provided ensure that low-income women have the professional attire and career skills coaching they need to make the right impression on job interviews and to succeed in the workplace.
The Women’s Alliance has attracted leading corporations and foundations – including Knight Foundation, Bank of America, Working Mother Media, Mono Advertising, Jones New York, Loews Hotels, Work Your Image!, Enterprising Women, NAFE, TLS Enterprises, City of Miami Neighborhood Overtown Enhancement Team and Coscan Homes.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation promotes journalism excellence worldwide and invests in the vitality of Miami and 25 other communities. Since its creation in 1950, Knight has approved more than $148 million in grants to the greater Miami area. Learn more online at www.knightfdn.org.