HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The idea for the nonprofit we know today as Joy Closet came about in 2021 with founder and Executive Director Heather Gray, who wanted to provide resources for foster children and families.
It is still all of that today, but over the years, Joy Closet has grown into much more. Gray said the organization provides resources and services for children in need, from diapers and wipes to beds and car seats.
The organization has expanded several times, and Gray said one of those ways was for children in crisis. “We now accept referrals for children in crisis in our nine-county region. We serve them on either a referral basis, it could be a one-time shop trip, or it can be ongoing depending on their needs.” Gray said.
Joy Closet is located in Christian County, Kentucky, but it also serves the surrounding region, including Clarksville-Montgomery County, with tangible items out of their main closet.
Gray said Joy Closet offers whatever you are looking for in one place. “You can literally get everything that you need when a child is entering into care at this one location, and the best thing is that it is all free,” Gray said.
Hope House opens soon
Hope House is one of the latest and most exciting projects for Joy Closet. The new facility will serve as a home dedicated to providing temporary housing and support for children and families in the foster care system.
Julia Roberts, Program Director for Joy Closet, said social workers will be able to take a child that comes into their care to the Hope House. “Our volunteers and our staff will be there to meet all of their needs to make sure they have enough tangible items to get through the first 72 hours of their placement,” Roberts said.
“Our goal with Hope House is to make sure everyone who walks through our door feels special, valued and loved – that they walk in with whatever trauma they are carrying, and we unburden them,” Roberts said.
Roberts said Hope House is well on its way, with the opening coming in late spring this year.
Eagle Fly program
Joy Closet also has Eagle Fly, which is a mentorship program created to support children aging out of foster care or impacted by foster care. The program starts at age 17 and helps them learn what need to know how to do as adults.
Roberts said Eagle Fly recently expanded into having an Eagle’s Nest, which is a housing project for individuals over 18 who are needing their first apartment.
You’ll find Joy Closet is at 814 Belmont St. in Hopkinsville. To learn more, make a donation or volunteer, visit joycloset.org, email info@joycloset.org, go to @joycloset for Instagram and Facebook, or call 270-632-1232.
Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is a Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.