N.B. Kindness Closet aims to help people impacted by the criminal justice system, poverty – New Brunswick | 24CA News
The Kindness Closet is a spot to search out thrifted gadgets and handmade gadgets, however it’s additionally a useful resource hub.
Courtney Figler, a social employee by commerce, is the founding father of the Kindness Closet. In her work, she encountered many individuals who’d handled the felony justice system but in addition different societal points.
“I’ve been volunteering and doing community work since I was a child,” she stated.
“When I was working clinical and doing mental health support with folks, which is extremely important, I was finding a lot of my clients didn’t have jobs or they were unhoused and what they needed was money.”
So, she opened a shiny pink boutique generally known as the The Kindness Closet, nestled quaintly in uptown Saint John.
The boutique is crammed with gadgets curated by founder Courtney Figler.
Nathalie Sturgeon / Global News
All the gadgets are thrifted or handcrafted and every merchandise is curated by Figler.
“Behind the scenes, we work on programming that supports folks that are impacted by the criminal justice system and/or poverty,” she stated in an interview on Sunday.
While the boutique has been giving out free clothes to these in want, not too long ago surpassing 1,500 kilos of clothes, it’ll formally launch free clothes each Monday on Aug. 14.
It additionally will begin an upcycle program.
“The fall will be phase one,” she stated. “We’re going to be training people to learn how to sow and make clothing and the ultimate goal is to make stuff to sell in the shop.”
For her, it’s about giving folks the chance to excel and thrive.
In New Brunswick, the federal government has initiated development of a brand new correctional facility and Figler stated the crime and punishment cycle doesn’t assist folks transfer previous the felony justice system.
All the proceeds from gross sales throughout the store go towards funding the applications.
Nathalie Sturgeon / Global News
“People tend to put up walls, but when you meet people where they are at, truly meeting them where they’re at, and letting them have the time and giving them compassion you’ll find that they are good people,” Figler stated.
She stated correctional services do probably not stop additional crime.
“A better future is possible,” she stated. “We’re only getting there if we start treating people with compassion other than always trying to punish people.”
Figler stated analysis exhibits post-incarceration employment reduces the speed of recidivism.
It’s a part of what she hopes to perform by displaying kindness by way of clothes. The boutique is funded by way of gadgets and clothes bought on the store.
The Kindness Closet is open Wednesday by way of Sunday at 17 North Market Street.
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