Making Dreams Come True

Working with local disadvantaged youth, Wendi Andres has witnessed first hand the heartache of young women in the community who come from broken homes, extreme poverty and other difficult life situations that project them at a young age into survival mode. The last priority in a troubled existence is being able to afford a high-quality wardrobe or at times even passably fashionable and clothes that aren’t already worn out. Watching girls in foster care and other tough spots forgo formal dances and other events because they couldn't afford a dress motivated Wendi and a group of other dedicated volunteers and donors to do something about it. 

“Some of these girls feel like they’re walking into school with a label already, and without the right clothes, it’s that much worse.” Says Wendi. Some of them are placed in homes with only the clothes on their backs, some with little more, or clothing that doesn’t fit, usually purchased from thrift stores. 

Stephanie’s Closet was launched at the beginning of 2016, after much planning, praying and dreaming. It is a boutique clothing store open by referral only to young women in the community who are in need of wardrobe upgrades, formal dresses, and basic clothing necessities. Teachers, social workers and other involved adults can refer high school age students from the Stevens and Ferry County areas to make a shopping appointment at the fairy tale nook on Oak and Third Street in Colville. February of this year, Stephanie’s Closet welcomed the first shopper with a completely donation driven selection of high end, barely used and new clothing to choose from. “Stephanie’s Closet is not a thrift store,” Wendi points out - it’s a high end boutique with name brand and designer clothes that many of these girls have only dreamed of trying on, let alone owning. The first shopper found a pair of $100 jeans that were a perfect fit, much to her delight. 

Stephanie’s Closet accepts donations of very gently used quality clothing appropriate for high school aged girls. Donations of new, with tags on undergarments are also accepted and one of the biggest needs. “Girls always need jeans, they always need shoes, and they always need undergarments.” Wendi says. The other big focus of the boutique is formal dresses for prom and homecoming. Donations of dresses in excellent condition are always accepted, especially larger sizes. Many girls in foster care can’t afford a dress and will often skip prom or homecoming for lack of something to wear. Wendi and the volunteers and Stephanie’s closet hope to prevent that for girls in the area. 

Donations have poured in from community members, including a donation drive from the Kettle Falls High School, where Wendi says they collect so many of the things that girls that age are looking for. “Those are the clothes they want,” she says, the same styles that their peers are sporting. Cash donations are also helpful, and help volunteers shop for items to fill the gaps at the boutique. Last year when Macy’s went out of business downtown, Wendi and her helpers were able to take cash donations and purchase brand new designer clothes at huge discounts. 

It all comes down to the individual experience for the shoppers and maybe even for the donors. Earlier this year, someone donated several formal gowns with matching accessories and shoes, also offering to pay for the hair and makeup of a girl in need before prom. A shopper came along and after finding her dream dress with all of the accessories and shoes at the boutique, Wendi matched her up with the generous community member who not only paid for, but chauffeured her from appointment to appointment and finally to her date, where she photographed the couple and created the perfect evening for a girl who wasn’t sure she’d be going to prom at all. 

Wendi and the volunteers at Stephanie’s Closet are just beginning to see the dream of helping girls from less than ideal situations have one less worry in the world. As referrals begin to trickle in, Wendi hopes that the word spreads to teachers and caseworkers so that the good work can spread across multiple counties. If you are interested in donating to Stephanie’s Closet, contact Wendi Andres at 509-609-0577 or find the Facebook page, where you can follow the blog.