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Helping Hands: Meet the Women from Derek’s Bottomless Closet Workshop

By Kristen Colapinto

Mary was a victim of violence for over three years. When she finally decided she had enough and was going to leave her abuser she packed all of her belongings into one, small bag and fled to a domestic violence center where she sought safety and a warm bed. She told me she was scared out of her wits, a complete basket case. She knew she had to begin putting her life back together and she knew she needed help doing so.

Through her journey, she met many people who she truly believed to care for her and soon she was referred by Urban Pathways to seek guidance from Bottomless Closet.

Bottomless Closet is a foundation which helps women become self-sufficient through a comprehensive program that begins with business attire and interview preparation and continues with professional development, financial management and personal enrichment.

Bottomless Closet enhances their clients’ self-esteem and self-confidence in order for them to enter and succeed in the workforce and improve the quality of their lives. By reaching out to this organization, Mary was able to find proper business attire while attending many of the workshops offered such as “How to Prepare a Resume” and Derek’s fabulous workshop, “How to be Derek Fabulous,” which provides wardrobe, make-up and hair styling advice.

Mary was especially touched by Derek’s compassion; “This man loves us, I just felt this…there’s a love connection there. He looks at us with such potential. This man (tears up)…he just touched my heart!”

Mary discussed with me what it was like living in an abusive household. She talked about feeling isolated and not being allowed to laugh or see joy. “When you are living in fear, you aren’t able to be yourself”. Today is a different story, however: “I love people; I love the connections you make to the world by being in the workplace”.

Mary is one of many women who find themselves in this situation and yet she is truly unique in her fight for a successful future. Her energy and love for people can be felt before ever speaking with her. She is kind yet driven.  She has worked hard to overcome her hardships and for that she is a hero.