Ask the Experts: A Q&A Series from Goodman JFS
At Goodman Jewish Family Services, we believe knowledge is power. In this Ask the Experts Q&A series, Goodman JFS President & CEO Randy Colman sits down with our professional leaders for timely conversations on the issues that matter most to our community.
Whether you’re seeking insights, support or a deeper understanding of the services we provide, this series is designed to offer practical guidance and expert perspectives on mental health, family wellbeing and caring for our community. It’s just one more way we aim to serve by supporting those who need help and informing those looking to make a difference.
Q&A with Darrelle Buckley, RAK PAK Clothing Closet Coordinator
As the new school year approaches, many families are focused on school supplies, schedules and preparing their children for the months ahead. But one challenge often goes unseen: clothing insecurity.
Clothing insecurity is the lack of access to enough appropriate, properly fitting clothing for school, work and everyday life. Like food insecurity, it can affect a person’s confidence, health and ability to succeed.
In this edition of Ask the Experts, Darrelle Buckley, RAK PAK Clothing Closet Coordinator at Goodman JFS, explains why back-to-school clothing is about much more than having something new to wear, who is affected by clothing insecurity and why meeting basic needs means looking at the whole person.
Q: Why is back-to-school clothing about more than having something new to wear?
A: The right clothing can make such a difference in how a child walks into school. When their clothes fit properly and feel current, they feel more confident, comfortable and like they belong. Social pressure is very real, and every child deserves to begin the school year with dignity, focused on learning rather than worrying about what they are wearing.
Q: Why does clothing insecurity deserve the same attention as food insecurity?
A: Food is essential to survival, but clothing is a basic need too. Clothing insecurity means not having enough appropriate, properly fitting clothing for school, work or everyday life. Clothing may fall to the bottom of the list when a family is choosing between food, rent and medication, but it can also be the bridge to greater stability, whether that means attending school with confidence, dressing appropriately for a job interview or meeting workplace dress codes.
Q: Who is affected by clothing insecurity?
A: The need may be much closer than you think. It affects children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness and working families who are doing their best but still struggling to cover everyday expenses.
The RAK PAK Clothing Closet at Goodman JFS is the only free clothing pantry in Broward County, Florida and is open to everyone, not only the Jewish community. Last year, we assisted nearly 1,700 people and worked with more than 50 community agencies to reach those who needed help.
Q: What essential items often fall through the gaps in traditional assistance?
A: Many people are surprised to learn that government assistance benefits generally do not cover diapers, feminine hygiene products or everyday personal care items. Shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors and shaving cream may not seem expensive individually, but together they can place a real strain on someone’s budget.
These are not extras. They are important to a person’s health, comfort and dignity. Additionally, donations of new socks, underwear and gift cards for harder-to-stock items help fill that gap.
Q: Why is it important to look at a person’s needs as a whole?
A: Basic needs services are one of the pillars of Goodman JFS’ work, and our RAK PAK Clothing Closet is an important piece of that puzzle. Someone who comes to us for food assistance, behavioral health care or financial support may also need clothing, shoes or hygiene products. These needs often go hand in hand.
By taking the time to understand the whole person and what they are facing, we can ease one more worry and help them take the next step forward.
How You Can Help
Every donation helps ensure children, families, older adults and individuals facing difficult circumstances have access to the clothing, shoes and hygiene essentials they need to learn, work and thrive.
To learn more about our RAK PAK Clothing Closet or make a donation, visit:
https://www.jfsbroward.org/services/rak-pak/
To contact Darrelle Buckley, email dbuckley@jfsbroward.org.