Campus Closet

Commitment to Youth

providing clothes, necessities, Hygiene products and more

The Goal of the Campus Closet Project

  • Increase graduation rates and provide basic health and other services to those living in poverty.
  • Maintain a Campus Closet at each of the county’s four high schools stocked with age appropriate new and used clothing such as pants, dresses, shirts, coats, undergarments, socks and personal hygiene items; as well as school supplies and a limited food pantry for students needing these items. The Campus Closets would have a dressing room and look like a ’boutique” to make students using the Campus Closets feel more comfortable.

Factor Influencing Josephine County’s Low High School Graduation Rates

  • Students from low income families frequently have old and outdated clothing, unlike what their peers wear, or are not able to afford the necessary school supplies. These students frequently drop our because they “look different” and feel that they do not fit in.

“I am so proud of our JCYF students who recognized the need for the Campus Closets, did the hard work of developing the Closets and their commitment to help fellow students stay in school and succeed.” – Jewel Shane, North Valley High School Student Advocate

Change

Before – Only a small percentage of students were using high school resource rooms to get used clothing, food, school supplies, etc. The rooms were not appealing, with clothing piled on tables and shoes in boxes on the floor. Embarrassed by the room and choice of clothing, students did not use these rooms.

After – Resource rooms were upgraded to resemble small boutiques, offering more products than just used clothing and shoes. In addition, more formal attire is available to students, providing them with clothing to wear at proms, formal events, and job interviews.

Funds & Donors

Funds

  • Students raised around $10,000 to remodel and stock the Campus Closets

Donors

  • The FOURWAY Community Foundation
  • Rotary
  • West Family Foundation

Statistics

Children living in poverty is at 27% in Josephine County, while the average for Oregon is 17% and for all of the U.S. is 18%.

Over half of the roughly 3,500 high school students in Josephine County are considered low income. Half of these students living below the poverty level, including homeless students, are eligible for free and reduced cost meals. These students have the highest drop out rate.

Impacts

“Being a part of the Campus Closet Project I am able to see the impact that one person can have on another. The closets make it possible for a person to feel more comfortable, happy, and confident; that is what the Campus Closet accomplishes on our campus.” – Seth Kitchens, Illinois Valley JCYF Student

“I would like to take the moment to thank the Josephine County Foundation for your donation to Illinois Valley High School’s Cougar Closet. Your support will help many students whether they are low income or homeless feel better about themselves and be more productive in school.” – Heather Merrill Family Advocate, Illinois Valley High School

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