Enchanted Closet Inc

The Enchanted Closet is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit service organization that benefits the girls of metropolitan Atlanta and other cities as far as Macon, Georgia. Founded in January 2003, the Enchanted Closet began as a small community service project that collaborated with Macy’s department store to provide donated prom dresses to high school girls who could not afford to pay retails prices. The Enchanted Closet’s philosophy is that no girl should miss out on the most “enchanting” moments in her life because of her family’s economic hardship. This simple idea has made a significant impression on the lives of over 8,500 metro Atlanta and Georgia girls who received dresses and services from the Enchanted Closet, and it has blossomed into the organization that has served over 30,000 people globally, while providing life skills development, dresses year-round for homecoming dances, JROTC balls, cotillions, and even milestone celebrations for mothers in residential treatment for substance abuse.

The organization further aids a diverse population of girls through its GIRL$ Service-Learning Program, also known as the GIRL$ Program. The program was designed to help increase the self awareness, self esteem, and self sufficiency of girls, primarily ages 12-19 years old. Girls attend monthly sessions which focus on economic and social entrepreneurship, and they engage in community service. Greater focus on these areas will bring a reduction in high-risk behavior that contributes to low academic performance/ school drop out, teen pregnancy, sexual exploitation, abuse, STIs, and other things that adversely affect the lives of teens, their families, and the community. These programs provide tools for enhancing the self awareness, self esteem, and self sufficiency of girls, many of whom are living in foster care, group homes, and primarily single parent families.

Mission

The mission of the Enchanted Closet is to physically, mentally, and emotionally, outfit metropolitan Atlanta high school girls from low-income families through programs that prepare them for social and professional milestones.

Target Demographics: Girls, living in primarily low income families, and are ages 12-19 years old.

Direct Beneficiaries Per Year: 500

Geographic Areas Served: 14 plus counties of metropolitan Atlanta

Programs: Prom Dress Giveaway through which girls are outfitted for prom and other special occasions (March through May); GIRL$ Service-Learning Program (2nd Saturday of each month, with the exception of July).

Awards and Recognitions

2019 B98.5 Community Hero Award

2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, 2016 Butterfly Award, Dr. Barbara King; 2015 Humanitarian Business of the Year; 2015 Best of Atlanta Youth Organization; 2014 NAACP-DeKalb Chapter, Thomas C Wilson Youth Services Award, 2014 Best of Atlanta Award for Youth Organizations and Centers; House Resolution establishing January 16, 2014 as Enchanted Closet Day in the State of Georgia; Proclamation from the City of Atlanta naming December 7, 2013 as Enchanted Closet Day in the City of Atlanta; 2013 Top 10 Nonprofits for Volunteer Opportunities in Atlanta; 2013 Giving is Good Award, Black Celebrity Giving; 2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, 2010 Lighthouse Award; 2010 Holiday Hero Award, Atlanta Journal and Constitution and B98.5 Radio Station; 2008 Georgia State University President’s Award for Community Partnership and Social Action; 2007 Featured Nationally by Turner Broadcasting System, Movie and a Makeover; 2006 Atlanta Falcons Community Quarterback Award

Distinctions

The Enchanted Closet holds the Independent Charities of America Seal of Excellence. The seal is awarded to the members of the Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Fewer than 2,000 of 50,000 eligible organizations have been awarded this Seal. Our CFC giving number is 74270.

The Enchanted Closet also holds the GreatNonprofits seal. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are based on the thoughts of volunteers, donors, and clients served by nonprofits.  The Enchanted Closet has held the seal since 2012.