EAST HARTFORD, Conn.–American Eagle FCU collected donations at all of its branches and its East Hartford home office as part of their celebration of Women’s History Month, delivering the clothing to GOODWorks, Inc.’s “The Clothing Closet.
The Closet 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 SVP-marketing and data analytics, who made the trip to The Closet, 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.”
“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.