For individuals or families facing a domestic crisis, a next step can be terrifying. So often, people feel paralyzed, not knowing where to turn for help. That’s where Mesa, AZ-based A New Leaf’s Autumn House program comes in.
![]() The dated multi-purpose room lacked warmth and personality before the California Closets team arrived |
![]() The California Closets team transformed a dreary space into a warm, inviting area for residents to use |
L-R: Aaron Pieratt, PHX Sales Manager; Amy Wenger, Local ASID Chapter President; and Janet Hutchinson, PHX GM. Note: This project was completed prior to COVID
Before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the country – and world – California Closets of Phoenix assisted in transforming a multi-use space at Autumn House so that it could better serve its transitional residents.
Phoenix GM Janet Hutchinson and team were converted a social room into a warm, welcoming, and peaceful place for residents to go to for social and life skills activities. This area is used for residents to receive coaching on everything from high school GEDs and college diplomas to employment, healthy lifestyles, and adult self-sufficiency.
In addition, California Closets built out a beautiful new media center where a large screen TV, books, and reference materials could be stored. Hanging barn door sliders were added to conceal the television when not in use.
Autumn House has been providing safe shelter to the community for almost 40 years and was the East Valley’s first domestic violence shelter. It operates 24/7 in a confidential location, accepting survivors all times of the year.
“We are so proud to have been a part of this amazing project,” said Janet, “and to support men and women in our community who have been affected by domestic violence.”
Janet and her team display what it truly means to design better lives, and bring California Closet’s CREDO to life.
Through the end of August, California Closets of Southwest Florida will be hosting its 4th annual clothing drive in support of Pace Center for Girls.
Donated clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry will be delivered to Pace’s upcoming annual Love That Dress event during which community members can purchase tickets to “shop” the collected items. All proceeds support Pace’s ongoing mission to aid women ages 11-18 who are struggling with poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, foster home placement, neglect, grief, incarceration of a family member and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
In exchange for a clothing donation, California Closets’ local clients can receive up to 15% off their next project.
California Closets of Southwest Florida is the largest single contributor to the clothing drive and owner Suzi Woods sits on the board.
DO YOU HAVE CLOTHING TO DONATE? If so, please send donations to Pace Center for Girls, 3800 Evans Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
You can also join the donation drive virtually: Use the hashtag #makespaceforpace and post a video of yourself “making space for Pace” as you clean out your own closets. Challenge your friends to do the same.
Generation WORKS is a dedicated day of service led by women and girls (of course men and boys are welcome too!) with the objective of bringing sustainable change and impact to our neighborhoods.
Volunteers will wire, weld, wash, and work their magic to transform our city for the greater good. Paul Davis will have a group of volunteers supporting Hubbard House this year.
The mission of Hubbard House is safety, empowerment, and social change for victims of domestic violence and their families. Let’s assist this great organization with some sprucing up of their outdoor spaces as well as prep work for their upcoming fundraising walk.
FirstService Residential is hosting a Teddy Bear Drive to benefit Travis County child abuse victims.
The Center for Child Protection is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center and the only non-profit in Travis County involved in the investigation of crimes against children. For more than 30 years, the Center has been the first stop for children in Travis County who are suspected victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and for children who have witnessed a violent crime. Every month, more than 300 child victims and their siblings receive a teddy bear or stuffed animal after visiting the Center. The teddy bear provides comfort and a sense of safety during a difficult time, and it represents a new beginning for these children.
With a continually increasing number of children visiting the Center each day, we are asking for support in keeping their teddy bear and stuffed animals supply fully stocked. We are asking for new stuffed animals only please and have provided a wish list for easy ordering to send bears directly to our collection office (link below).
Bears can also be dropped of during normal business hours to the Austin office: 7 Lakeway Centre Court, Ste. 102, Lakeway, Texas 78734.
Hope Harbor Home is a local shelter for victims of domestic violence in Brunswick County, NC.
The Giving Tree represents 50 young children’s Christmas wishes. Each card has the child’s age, gender and 3 wishes.
Please help us make their Christmas Day a little brighter by placing a gift under our Hope Giving Tree located at 4902 Main Street, Shallotte, NC 28470
We will accept donations in cash to buy remaining toys for the children and items needed by the shelter. Checks can be written to Hope Harbor Home, Inc., and mailed to the attention of Kimberly Gallimore Lewis at the address above.
The FirstService Residential Austin team and residents of Tuscan Village are gathering donations and assembling over 100 Easter baskets for girls and boys ages 1-18 in support of SAFE Place Shelter. The SAFE Alliance is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both long-standing and respected human service agencies in Austin serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence.
Donations are being accepted through Monday, April 15th and we will be gathering to assemble Tuesday, April 16th from 9am – 11am at the Austin corporate office. Donation ideas for Girls: Make-up, lip gloss, nail polish, fun jewelry, hair accessories, mirrors Donation ideas for Boys: Sunglasses, grooming kits, soaps, socks, chap sticks, gadget toys Donation ideas for both boys and girls: Chocolate bunnies, water bottles, wrapped candy, note pads, travel games, fun socks, sun block, gift cards, ear buds/earphones.
Please contact Linda Michael or Jo Hall for further questions regarding the event.