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October 29, 2007
James Villacorta
Executive Director
City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency
49 NW 5TH Street
Miami, FL
Dear Mr. Villacorta:
Thank you for your visit to Chapter 2 this past Saturday and for your supportive role in ensuring
the success of our exciting social enterprise model that is leading retail revitalization efforts on
historic 9ch Street in Overtown.
As you are aware, The Women's Alliance (www.thewomensalliance.org) is a Miami/Overtown based
not -for -profit membership alliance comprised of independent, community -based organizations
across the United States that assist women in transition to break free from the cycle of poverty and
homelessness to create a better life for themselves and their families.
Each year, the services provided by The Women's Alliance help more than 50,000 women to
overcome employment barriers and the "cost of making a good appearance" by ensuring that they
have the professional attire they need to make the right impression in job interviews and to
succeed in the workplace.
In late 2005, The Women's Alliance received a three-year grant from the John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation to launch Chapter 2TM, Located at Dorsey House in Overtown, Miami,
Chapter 2 is a unique, upscale resale store featuring men's and women's clothing that serves the
community, helps improve quality of life, and is dedicated to providing professional attire and
career skills training for low-income women seeking employment.
Chapter 2 officially opened February 3, 2006 and we very pleased with the positive community
response to our project, including Chapter 2's most recent recognition as Sun Post's 2007 Best
Recycle Clothing Shop for Miami and the Beaches.
As we move into the final quarter of our second year of operations, Chapter 2 is 85% on target to
break even from operations this year. With additional community support and a creative
marketing strategy, we will be able to implement revenue generation strategies that will ensure
that we meet our 2007 sales and community support goals.
We have been receiving increasing requests to provide wardrobe support for homeless and very
low-income Overtown residents (both teens and adults) in transition. In addition, we are
interested in continuing to stock Chapter 2 with clothing that will benefit the wider community,
therefore, based on repeated customer requests we plan to become a resource for low-cost work
uniforms in the near future. Unfortunately, without support from community organizations,
corporations and government, Chapter 2 cannot continue to provide free clothing to meet the
community's needs. This year alone $5,000 worth of shopping gift certificates have been
distributed to Overtown residents in need. People love to shop at Chapter 2 and the experience is
empowering in itself. A volunteer wardrobe specialist is available to -be onsite to provide assistance
to clients referred from area agencies such as The Lotus House, Somerville Residences, Transition,
and the Overtown Youth Center.
Description of Grant Request
•
•
On behalf of Chapter 2, The Women's Alliance is requesting a $25,000 from the City of Miami
Community Redevelopment Agency to support sustainability of Chapter 2. A grant from the City of
Miami Community Redevelopment Agency is critical to help expand Chapter 2 and tohelp
strengthen community awareness of Chapter 2 and our mission.
Grant funding will be used to:
• Providing clothing for 100 Overtown residents for life and work
• Expand inventory to include uniforms needed for entry in to the hospitality and retail
industries
• Increase plus -size inventory
• Enhance the shopping experience at Chapter 2, including replacement of blinds, additional
fixtures such as lighting and display stands and signage
• Development of an Annual Chapter 2 "Off 3`d" Sale in conjunction with a 9t'' Street Festival
to support the fabulous market garden and the occupation of the Ward Rooming House that
will enhance sales and awareness and the positive revitalization efforts that are occurring in
the Overtown neighborhood
Grant proceeds will be used for the following:
Wardrobe vouchers for 100 Overtown residents in $10,000
transition during 2007/2008 (100 x $100 = $10,000)
Inventory expansion for uniforms and plus -sizes needed $ 5,000
Upgrade Fixtures and Fittings and Signage $ 5,000
Development of Chapter 2 Annual "Off 3rd Sale" $ 5,000
TOTAL
$25,000
Mr. Villacorta, once again a sincere thank you to you and your excellent staff for your support of
our work and belief in Chapter 2 and our Overtown retail revitalization goals. Your willingness to
step outside of the box, along with your energy and spirit are very much appreciated. Our long
term mission is to expand Chapter 2 throughout the nation as a proven replicable social enterprise
model that is unique and supports community revitalization in cities similar to Overtown across the
United States.
Please feel free to contact me anytime at 305-495-7254 with additional questions.
Sincerely,
Nicole Wild
Executive Director
The Women's Alliance
Chapter 2 Clothing
Historic Dorsey House
250 NW 9th Street
Miami, FL 33136
www.chapter2clothing.org
www.thewomensalliance.orq
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October 29, 2007
James Villacorta
Executive Director
City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency
49 NW 5Th Street
Miami, FL
Dear Mr. Villacorta:
Thank you for your visit to Chapter 2 this past Saturday and for your supportive role in ensuring
the success of our exciting social enterprise model that is leading retail revitalization efforts on
historic 9th Street in Overtown.
As you are aware, The Women's Alliance (www.thewomensalliance.org) is a Miami/Overtown based
not -for -profit membership alliance comprised of independent, community -based organizations
across the United States that assist women in transition to break free from the cycle of poverty and
homelessness to create a better life for themselves and their families.
Each year, the services provided by The Women's Alliance help more than 50,000 women to
overcome employment barriers and the "cost of making a good appearance" by ensuring that they
have the professional attire they need to make the right impression in job interviews and to
succeed in the workplace.
In late 2005, The Women's Alliance received a three-year grant from the John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation to launch Chapter 2TM• Located at Dorsey House in Overtown, Miami,
Chapter 2 is a unique, upscale resale store featuring men's and women's clothing that serves the
community, helps improve quality of life, and is dedicated to providing professional attire and
career skills training for low-income women seeking employment.
Chapter 2 officially opened February 3, 2006 and we very pleased with the positive community
response to our project, including Chapter 2's most recent recognition as Sun Post's 2007 Best
Recycle Clothing Shop for Miami and the Beaches.
As we move into the final quarter of our second year of operations, Chapter 2 is 85% on target to
break even from operations this year. With additional community support and a creative
marketing strategy, we will be able to implement revenue generation strategies that will ensure
that we meet our 2007 sales and community support goals.
We have been receiving increasing requests to provide wardrobe support for homeless and very
low-income Overtown residents (both teens and adults) in transition. In addition, we are
interested in continuing to stock Chapter 2 with clothing that will benefit the wider community,
therefore, based on repeated customer requests we plan to become a resource for low-cost work
uniforms in the near future. Unfortunately, without support from community organizations,
corporations and government, Chapter 2 cannot continue to provide free clothing to meet the
community's needs. This year alone $5,000 worth of shopping gift certificates have been
distributed toaOvertown residents in need. People love to shop at Chapter 2 and the experience is
empowering in itself. A volunteer wardrobe specialist is available to be onsite to provide assistance
to clients referred from area agencies such as The Lotus House, Somerville Residences, Transition,
and the Overtown Youth Center.
Description of Grant Request
•
•
On behalf of Chapter 2, The Women's Alliance is requesting a $25,000 from the City of Miami
Community Redevelopment Agency to support sustainability of Chapter 2. A grant from the City of
Miami Community Redevelopment Agency is critical to help expand Chapter 2 and to help
strengthen community awareness of Chapter 2 and our mission.
Grant funding will be used to:
• Providing clothing for 100 Overtown residents for life and work
• Expand inventory to include uniforms needed for entry in to the hospitality and retail
industries
• Increase plus -size inventory
• Enhance the shopping experience at Chapter 2, including replacement of blinds, additional
fixtures such as lighting and display stands and signage
• Development of an Annual Chapter 2 "Off 3rd" Sale in conjunction with a 9th Street Festival
to support the fabulous market garden and the occupation of the Ward Rooming House that
will enhance sales and awareness and the positive revitalization efforts that are occurring in
the Overtown neighborhood
Grant proceeds will be used for the following:
Wardrobe vouchers for 100 Overtown residents in $10,000
transition during 2007/2008 (100 x $100 = $10,000)
Inventory expansion for uniforms and plus -sizes needed $ 5,000
Upgrade Fixtures and Fittings and Signage $ 5,000
Development of Chapter 2 Annual "Off 3rd Sale" $ 5,000
TOTAL
S25,000
Mr. Villacorta, once again a sincere thank you to you and your excellent staff for your support of
our work and belief in Chapter 2 and our Overtown retail revitalization goals. Your willingness to
step outside of the box, along with your energy and spirit are very much appreciated. Our long
term mission is to expand Chapter 2 throughout the nation as a proven replicable social enterprise
model that is unique and supports community revitalization in cities similar to Overtown across the
United States.
Please feel free to contact me anytime at 305-495-7254 with additional questions.
Sincerely,
Nicole Wild
Executive Director
The Women's Alliance
Chapter 2 Clothing
Historic Dorsey House
250 NW 9th Street
Miami, FL 33136
www.chapter2clothi nu.orq
www.thewomensalliance.orq