Meriden nonprofit ‘GOODWorks’ receives donation of women’s clothing from American Eagle FCU to help fill ‘The Closet’
Donations collected at AEFCU branches help fill the nonprofit’s free clothing program that supports women recovering from the criminal justice system
EAST HARTFORD, CT (June 7, 2023) — The shelves and clothing racks at a Meriden-based shop that provides free clothing, shoes and accessories to women recovering from the criminal justice system are fuller now, thanks to donations delivered by representatives of American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s Diversity & Inclusion Council.
American Eagle FCU collected donations at all of their branches and their East Hartford home office as part of their celebration of Women’s History Month, delivering the clothing to GOODWorks, Inc.’s “The Clothing Closet,” which is located at the Upper Room Church in Meriden. GOODWorks, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization committed to empowering women reentering the community from the criminal justice system to make positive behavioral and lifestyle changes that foster personal growth and create a safe environment for themselves and their children.
“There was something really special about this project and our visit with GOODWorks today,” said Dara Macchi, American Eagle FCU’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Data Analytics, who made the trip to The Closet, as it is known, along with her colleague Margaret Baxter, who is Home Equity Processor in Real Estate Lending, and several fellow team members. “We have both done check presentations, delivered donations and met with so many nonprofit organizations. It’s the best part of what we do, but some stand out a little more than others and leave a lasting impression.”
“The stories we heard today, and the compassion and dedication these volunteers have for the women they serve, often rescuing a mother and children from an unsafe environment in the dark of night with nothing but the clothes on their back, deeply moved us,” agreed Baxter. “We couldn’t help but leave feeling like this is a special organization. Coming here brought our team even closer together.”
The Closet receives donations throughout the year that include women’s, men’s and baby/children’s clothing, accessories and toiletries, shoes for all seasons, coats, toys, small household items and bread. Their donors range from large companies to private citizens. The Closet also organizes periodic community giveaways on church grounds, as well as in local town/city green areas, where they go out and provide these resources to those who are unable to come to them.
“We’d like to thank American Eagle Financial Credit Union for their donations supporting GOODWorks via The Closet,” said Theresa Goode, President and Founder of GOODWorks, Inc. “Every bit of help further empowers and assists these women in their journey to recovery.”
Goode, who began her career with Connecticut’s Child Protective Services, gave the team a tour along with Diane Mullin, who designed, runs and maintains The Closet. While The Closet caters to all women and children in need for a variety of reasons, GOODWorks offers services for formerly incarcerated women as they reenter society. In addition to basic necessities, GOODWorks provides these women with mentorship, counseling and other helpful services when and as needed.
At The Closet: GOODWorks, Inc. President and Founder Theresa Goode, American Eagle FCU’s Yolimar Rivera, Dara Macchi and Gladys Schmitt, The Closet Director Diane Mullin, American Eagle FCU’s Margaret Baxter, Erica Johnson and Teshana McDowell. (Not pictured Alyson Pietraroia.)
At American Eagle FCU’s home office donation site: American Eagle FCU’s Laura Dyer, Margaret Baxter, Gladys Schmitt, Yolimar Rivera, Teshana McDowell, Erica Johnson (Not pictured Alyson Pietraroia and Dara Macchi.)
At The Closet: GOODWorks, Inc.’s Diane Mullin gives the American Eagle FCU team a tour of The Closet.
About American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU)
Established in 1935, American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) is a full-service credit union offering checking and savings accounts, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, business accounts and more. AEFCU offers banking online, through its mobile app, or at one of its 14 branches located in Connecticut. AEFCU has more than 180,000 members, over $2.5 billion in assets, and offers banking services to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, and New Haven County in Connecticut, and Hampden County in Massachusetts. For more information about American Eagle Financial Credit Union, visit www.americaneagle.org.
