Angels Community Outreach was founded in June 2009 by then-12-year-old Katelyn Darrow. While the mission has significantly expanded since 2009, Angels Community Outreach originally started off as a clothing closet. We still maintain our original facility at 334 South Broadway, where clothing is hung on racks and shelves by gender and size. Clients can come into the storefront and “shop” for free; nothing is sold at the clothing closet. It is all given to families and individuals in need.
Now, in addition to the clothing closet, Angels Community Outreach also provides food, toiletries, and more. For a full list of our services, please click here. Throughout the year we hold seasonal events, such as our Back-to-School Drive where we fill backpack full of school supplies, our Christmas toy collection, Easter Basket distribution, Baby Bundles, and more.
Our organization works on a referral basis. In order to receive services, a client must have a referral letter from social services, principal, pastor, caseworker etc. Once they acquire a referral letter, we can set-up an appointment, where the client will fill-out a registration form and are introduced to our services.
Thank you for supporting Angels Community Outreach. Together we can make a difference in our communities! BAM!
Letter from the founder:
Domestic violence is a significant part of my journey. A moment that defined me was when my mom, sisters and I had to pick up in the middle of the night and escape our abuser. We left wearing only the clothing on our back, abandoning many of our favorite possessions behind. A few years later we were faced with another obstacle – a house fire. I was in third grade at the time and for a year, as our house underwent extreme repairs, we lived with neighbors and friends. Going from place to place without an official location to call home, not knowing where we were going to live the next day, was difficult. Looking back, what impacted me the most was how people helped us. So many people in the community reached out to my family during our hardships. I’ll never forget the compassion and kindness that was shown.
Now, giving back is my way of paying it forward. In 2009 at 12-years-old I started a 501c3 non-profit organization called, Angels Community Outreach. My charity provides clothing and more for free to families in need. It’s heartwarming to help residents at the same domestic violence shelter that once assisted my family. We work with social services, homeless shelters and community leaders who refer clients to Angels Community Outreach. The clients are invited to come into the clothing closet storefront and go “shopping” at no cost. The center even has shopping carts and a dressing room! I know from personal experience that it can be difficult to keep your dignity in tough times. Sometimes, something as simple as a new outfit can put a smile on one’s face and make them feel beautiful.
Kind Regards,
Katelyn Darrow (founder)