In a world that’s facing unprecedented trauma and violence, Kim Johnson, executive director and co-founder of Teen Clean Closet, believes that real, impactful change can’t take place without action.

Johnson, who calls herself a chronic over-volunteerer, worked for Royal Oak Public Schools for 12 years in addition to dedicating her time and energy to things that mattered to her.

“You name it, I was there,” she said, recalling the countless volunteer opportunities she’s been involved with over the years.

When burnout led to a two-year sabbatical from volunteering, Johnson was approached by a friend who introduced her to Erica McEvoy, a medical biller for a pediatrician’s office who identified a need in her community and put out a call for support.

McEvoy noticed that the samples vendors were bringing into the practice were going to waste, so she created a closet in the office for patients to take as needed. This idea sparked her to put out a call for donations, not entirely sure of where the idea would go.

“I said that I’d only go back to volunteering if it was the exact right thing, and within an hour of us meeting I said, ‘We need to do this,’” Johnson said.

Johnson’s employment within the school district provided the pair with the connections to bring their vision to life, and with the support of Royal Oak Public Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick and the principal at the time, the first Teen Clean Closet opened inside of Royal Oak Middle School almost six years ago.

“Being that I worked in the district, I saw the need first hand within the schools and it became very important to us to start making an impactful difference in our community,” Johnson said.

The 501c3 nonprofit began taking donations of new toiletry and hygiene items to be distributed to students in the middle school and has since expanded to other schools, the public and the senior center.

Now, with the support of family, friends and community members, Teen Clean Closet has grown and now has established closets in Royal Oak Middle School, Royal Oak High School, Churchill Community High School, Metro Detroit Youth Club – Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Public Library and now the Royal Oak Senior Center.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for awareness and inclusion with the seniors,” said Johnson, who established the senior closet after sitting on the Royal Oak Aging in Place Task Force.

Teen Clean Closet is also a community resource for other nonprofits in the area who need support or assistance.

One unintended positive result of the closets has been the creation of open dialogue with students, specifically those who use the closets. It has developed a level of trust and the ability to identify those who indicate a need for further assistance and who can be referred to additional resources.

“Our goal is to make small differences in people’s lives everyday in an effort to show them that there is a non-judgmental support system in their community,” Johnson said.

To donate items or learn more about the Teen Clean Closet, visit www.teencleancloset.com.

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