Sharia’s Closet has a wonderful mission. It provides free emergency clothing to those experiencing financial hardship or crisis. Sharia’s Closet empowers individuals and promotes self-esteem and self-identity by thoughtfully selecting outfits that consider their styles and preferences.
During ReEmployAbility’s Nonprofit Relationship Manager Lindsey Bressi’s recent trip to San Diego, she met with Shamine Linton, founder and CEO of Sharia’s Closet. Shamine proudly informed her that they have served over 45,000 people over the last ten years. Sharia’s Closet partners with 200 social service agencies across San Diego to connect with as many people in need as possible.
meeting with the Team at Sharia’s Closet
“Love is the foundation of why Sharia’s Closet exists,” began Linton. “It reminds us of why we do what we do each day. This place is named for my daughter, who started this idea when she was five years old, and she was washing shoes to give to those in need.” This reasserts the nonprofit’s mission to help those in need.
Bressi and Linton toured the space, while she continued, “When someone walks in, I want it to feel welcoming and well-established. The volunteers process clothing donations. They fold each item with care and organize it in its appropriate place. It takes work, commitment, precision. It takes attention to detail. These items are going into bags that represent a person, so we’re really trying to honor and respect people in that way. It’s a tiny but mighty space. There’s a lot of love and intentionality in it, in what we do.”
ReEmployAbility & Sharia’s Closet: A Partnership Supporting Injured Workers
A ReEmployAbility Transition2Work participant joined them and said, “I love this program. It’s a good thing. And being connected to a place like this – it’s taught me a lot. It’s changed me. It’s a positive place and helps so many people.”
Another shared, “I was home for two months, and I was depressed and frustrated. I worried constantly about not being able to pay my bills, or what if I became homeless? I kept asking my job if they had something – anything – for me to do. They finally told me about this option. Everything is great now. When I talked to the other girls here, I started crying. I was very emotional because of the peacefulness I felt instantly in being here and knowing I’m not alone, knowing that I’m helping other people.”
brings bagels to the volunteers at Sharia’s Closet.
A History of Support
A long-time Transition2Work volunteer guides and nurtures new participants as they join the nonprofit. “When I first got here, I didn’t understand it. But Shamine takes the time to share the mission, purpose, and importance behind everything we do here. It’s much more than just folding clothes and sorting shoes. And my whole attitude changed. Now when new people come in, I explain my story so they’re more comfortable.”
The volunteer continued with the story, “Like our newest girl – I saw her look on her first day. That was my look, that was me when I first came in. I felt lost and confused and didn’t know why I was here, how sorting clothing was helping others,” she laughed. “So I walked up to her and I said, ‘don’t be scared, don’t be intimidated. I know it’s a lot to digest and the whole situation is uncertain and frustrating because you’re hurt, and you don’t know what’s going on.’ She felt a lot better. I don’t like people coming in and feeling that way. I want them to see this place the way I do. They really make a difference here, and I – we – get to be a part of it.”
Transition2Work Makes A Difference for Injured Workers
At ReEmployAbility, our Transition2Work programs offer injured individuals the opportunity to give back to their community and support nonprofit organizations across the United States. By participating in these programs, participants can keep earning their wages, stay connected with their employer, learn new skills, and recover more quickly. We see success stories like the ones at Sharia’s Closet daily.
For more information on how your organization can become a ReEmployAbility Nonprofit Partner, visit our Nonprofit Partner Page.
Sharia’s Closet
We provide free, emergency clothing to those experiencing financial hardship or crisis. We help children attend school with confidence and provide teens or adults with professional attire for interviews or the workplace. We empower members of our community in need by promoting self-esteem and self-identity. We serve individuals and families experiencing hardship throughout the region. We connect with community members in need through direct referrals from a wide and long-standing network of schools and service agencies, many of whom are not accessing support services elsewhere. To learn more about Sharia’s Closet visit their website here.
More REA in the Community:
- Injured Workers Love Transition2Work: Testimonials and Stories of Appreciation
- Empowering Women: ReEmployAbility Renews Corporate Sponsorship Commitment to “Handbags & Happy Hour” Fundraiser
- ReEmployAbility Participates in Relay for Life in Support of Co-Worker
- Embarking on a Voyage of Giving Back with Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Sailing
- Spreading Joy: ReEmployAbility’s Heartwarming Holiday Giving Continues in Tampa Bay