"More Than Fashion"
Outreach Project of the
First Presbyterian Church
Waterloo, Iowa
In the fall of 2005, the members of the Mission Committee of First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, Iowa were trying to develop new ways to reach out to the community known as the Cedar Valley. Many ideas were brought to the table but one seemed to grab the attention and interest of the entire group and that was the need for a free clothing center that would assist women from the community who were going for a job interview but did not have clothing that looked professional. After that initial meeting Elder Gale Quirk, Moderator of the Mission Committee, gathered about 12 women from the community together and created the "More Than Fashion" board. "More Than Fashion" is located at First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo.
The vision for "More Than Fashion" is to provide clothing and support services to a variety of women who are facing such issues as: low income, displaced homemaker, homeless, leaving an abusive environment, facing language barriers, receiving little or no benefits and having few community resources and as a result of these issues are now actively seeking employment in the job market.
The initial goal of "More Than Fashion" was to provide a clothing outfit to women who have obtained an interview for a job in the community and had been recommended to "More Than Fashion" for assistance. However, in the past year "More Than Fashion" has been reaching out to women of all ages and stages in life. Women who have recently been released from prison, women from the Seeds of Hope program that are coming from an abusive relationship, women from Pathways who are fighting drug and alcohol abuse, women who have been struggling with health issues such as cancer and now find themselves in need of returning to the work world.
The response from the Cedar Valley has been amazing. Each Monday clothing donations are brought to First Presbyterian Church and volunteers receive, sort and stock the shelves of the "More Than Fashion" Rooms. Clients make a confidential appointment with Gale Quirk and her volunteer staff for fittings and clothing selection.
The Presbytery of North Central Iowa has been instrumental in the success of the program by supporting "More Than Fashion" with a financial grant for items and fixtures that are needed to carry out this vital ministry to the Community of Waterloo and the Cedar Valley.
Clothing donations are accepted each Monday afternoon between 1:00-3:00 p.m. Please call the Church Office if these hours conflict with your schedule.
If you would like additional information regarding this important community outreach project, please contact First Presbyterian Church, 505 Franklin Street, Waterloo, IA 50703. Telephone number: 319-233-6145.