YWCA of Olympia

Clothes Today, Jobs Tomorrow: Business Casual Clothes for Economic Stability

Founded in 2014, Kathleen’s Closet at the YWCA of Olympia has been a place where community care and dignity come together. Every week, individuals navigating housing instability, unemployment, or financial hardship walk through our doors seeking more than just clothing - they find connection, encouragement, and the confidence to take their next steps. This free program provides professional, business casual attire to those preparing for interviews, starting new jobs, or meeting with caseworkers. 

Since January of this year, we’ve served almost 250 folks in Kathleen's Closet. As we continue to respond to rising community needs, we need your support to keep Kathleen’s Closet open and accessible to all. Your donation helps ensure that no one has to choose between paying for basic necessities and having clothing that helps them show up with confidence and self-worth. Together, we can continue offering this vital, judgment-free resource to women and community members facing systemic barriers. Every dollar donated is an investment in economic security, empowerment, and belonging. Join us in sustaining this life-changing program and help ensure that everyone in our community can step forward with dignity, one outfit at a time.

Kathleen’s Closet is more than a clothing bank - it’s a vital access point for economic stability, self-empowerment, a deep breath and a moment to connect with someone, and a place to seek resources and get support without judgement. Each participant served and each garment distributed supports our mission to eliminate all forms of oppression and empower people by ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to show up in the world with dignity, confidence, and care.

We need your help. A gift today - no matter the size - can make the difference between continuing our mission and closing this and other vital services in our community. Every dollar counts. Every act of generosity brings us closer to securing the future of YWCA Olympia as a center for healing, participant-led advocacy, and anti-racism education in our community. Thank you for being in our corner, so we can continue to be in yours.

Kathleen's Closet is currently open Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-2pm. Business casual clothing donations including shoes, coats, accessories, hats, and gloves can also be dropped off during our open hours. Visit our website at www.ywcaofolympia.org/kathleens-closet for an updated list on donations we are currently accepting.

Our History

Since 1945, YWCA Olympia has been a cornerstone of our community. Over the years we have provided a space for folks to gain economic empowerment, build anti-racist community, create youth-centered spaces, obtain essential hygiene products, shop at Kathleen's Closet, and so much more. We've been the birthplace of SafePlace, the Rape Relief Center, and the first Black church in Thurston County - New Life Baptist Church - was started in Friendship Hall. Generations have walked through our doors seeking hope, help, and a brighter future—and thanks to supporters like you, we've been able to deliver. Today, our mission of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women is more important than ever.  

Today, our work centers on healing from racialized and gender-based trauma, shifting culture toward anti-racism, and influencing institutional change to dismantle systemic oppression. Our programs this year included social justice education through monthly workshops, youth development through summer camps and after-school programs that emphasize mental health, creativity, and civic engagement, and Kathleen’s Closet, a free business attire closet supporting workforce re-entry and economic empowerment for low-income community members.

Despite serving more participants than in previous years, we have been significantly impacted by recent funding cuts. As we celebrate our 80th year, we seek continued support from community members you, to help sustain our operations, strengthen community collaboration, and sustain our role as a leader in advancing equity, belonging, and collective healing across the South Sound region. We have been here for 80 years, and you can help us continue to show up for and with our community for another 80 years. Thank you for your support!

YWCA Olympia is located at 220 Union Ave SE Olympia, WA 98501 in the historic Kearney House.