Enchanted Closet, Inc.

Results: The Enchanted Closet is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit service organization that benefits the girls of metropolitan Atlanta and other cities as far as Macon, Georgia. Founded in January 2003, the Enchanted Closet began as a small community service project that collaborated with Macy’s department store to provide donated prom dresses to high school girls who could not afford to pay retail prices. The Enchanted Closet’s philosophy is that no girl should miss out on the most “enchanting” moments in her life because of her family’s economic hardship. This simple idea has made a significant impression on the lives of over 8,000 metro Atlanta and Georgia girls who received dresses from the Enchanted Closet, and it has blossomed into the organization providing dresses year-round for homecoming dances, JROTC balls, cotillions, and even milestone celebrations for mothers in residential treatment for substance abuse. The organization further aids a diverse population of girls through its GIRL$ Service-Learning Program. The program was designed to help increase the self awareness, self esteem, and self sufficiency of girls. Girls attend monthly sessions which focus on economic and social entrepreneurship, and they engage in community service. Greater focus on these areas will bring a reduction in high-risk behavior that contributes to low academic performance/ school drop out, teen pregnancy, sexual exploitation, abuse, STDs and other things that adversely affect the lives of teens, their familiies, and the community. Awards and Recognitions 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, 2016 Butterfly Award, Dr. Barbara King; 2015 Humanitarian Business of the Year; 2015 Best of Atlanta Youth Organization; 2014 NAACP-DeKalb Chapter, Thomas C Wilson Youth Services Award, 2014 Best of Atlanta Award for Youth Organizations and Centers; House Resolution establishing January 16, 2014 as Enchanted Closet Day in the State of Georgia; Proclamation from the City of Atlanta naming December 7, 2013 as Enchanted Closet Day in the City of Atlanta; 2013 Top 10 Nonprofits for Volunteer Opportunities in Atlanta; 2013 Giving is Good Award, Black Celebrity Giving; 2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award, 2010 Lighthouse Award; 2010 Holiday Hero Award, Atlanta Journal & Constitution and B98.5 Radio Station; 2008 Georgia State University President's Award for Community Partnership and Social Action; 2007 Featured Nationally by Turner Broadcasting System, Movie & a Makeover; 2006 Atlanta Falcons Community Quarterback Award

Target demographics: girls from primarily low income families ages 12-19 years old

Direct beneficiaries per year: 673 girls

Geographic areas served: 14 plus counties of metropolitan Atlanta

Programs: The Prom Dress Giveaway Program through which we outfit girls for prom and other special occasions. The GIRL$ Service-Learning aka GIRL$ Program through which we provide valuable life skills and empowerment programs. Prom Dress Giveaway Program (March through May), GIRL$ Service-Learning Program (monthly, throughout the year)