For many young girls and women, formal social events like prom are important milestones and rites of passage. But the total cost of these events frequently adds up to hundreds of dollars, putting a high price tag on admission that many families simply cannot afford. 

Jessica’s Closet steps in so families do not have to make that choice. 

Founded and led by Debbie Bolognani, Jessica’s Closet builds social confidence and self-esteem and ensures no one faces exclusion or isolation due to lack of access to formal and semi-formal attire – or the ability to afford it. 

Jessica’s Closet was created in loving memory of Debbie’s daughter, Jessica, and her deep-rooted commitment to mentorship and to giving back to her community. Initially started in 2010 as a “lending library” of 25 dresses out of a few classrooms at the local high school, the Closet rapidly expanded with the support of community members like Berkshire Gas’ Jennifer Boucher.  

Jessica’s Closet now serves 13 communities across southern Vermont, northwestern Massachusetts and southwestern New Hampshire, with over 3,000 dresses available to borrow, along with anything else a girl might need: shoes, purses, gloves, jewelry and even alterations. This approach is also environmentally-friendly, stretching the environmental cost over dozens of wears and showing that secondhand does not mean second best! 

As the Closet struggled with the pandemic’s impacts on its operations and fundraising, the AVANgives grant kept it from having to make the difficult decision to permanently close. To date, Jessica has helped over 5,000 girls feel beautiful, radiant and comfortable in their own skin – because when everyone feels beautiful, everyone is equal.