Non-Profits Need to Work Together To Change Lives

As Non-Profits work together we will make a bigger impact in the lives of those we serve and in turn in our community. That is definitely the case with Dignity-U-Wear and Trinity Rescue Mission.

Dignity-U-Wear founded by Henri Landwirth in 2000, has been helping changed lives by providing new clothing for the needy. Founded by a Nazi camp survivor, Landwirth knows how important dignity can be to a person who is suffering. Starting with just underclothes for children, this organization has expanded to providing all types of new clothing for those who need it most. His motto is, “It is in the giving that we receive.”

Over 15 million dollars in merchandise was given to organizations in 31 states in 2005. Over 200 organizations are recipients of the clothing, and other items are provided to the needy at no cost, under direction of Jim Diehl, Executive Director of Dignity-U-Wear.

Jim Diehl, Executive Director (left) and Derek

McKinnis, Guest Services Supervisor Trinity

Rescue Mission (right)

“We are grateful for the relationship that we have been able to establish with Trinity Rescue Mission”, said Diehl. “Had it not been for the volunteer work donated by the men of Trinity Rescue Mission, there is no way that Dignity-U-Wear would have been able to reach out to those in need as we did in 2005.”

Last year, over 3,300 man hours were volunteered with Dignity-U-Wear through Trinity Rescue Mission. This volunteer opportunity gives these men the chance to give back for all that they have been given.

“We believe in the great service Dignity-U-Wear provides for our community and have been honored to volunteer to help in their clothing warehouse for over four years. The men in our programs love to work with Dignity-U-Wear. They treat them… well, with dignity. It is easy to see why they like to volunteer with such a great organization.” said Gene Pruett, Executive Director of Trinity Rescue Mission.

Together, these non-profit organizations make it possible for a person to be taken from the street, transformed and returned to society with a brand new suit of clothing now provided by Dignity-U-Wear.

Recently, Dignity-U-Wear made the decision that a new suit, complete with dress shirt and tie would be provided to those who graduate from the programs offered by Trinity Rescue Mission. Derek McKinnis is one such recipient of this generous donation.

McKinnis graduated the programs at Trinity Rescue Mission, joined the staff there and recently made the decision to attend Trinity Baptist College. “Dignity-U-Wear provided the clothing that I needed to begin my college career and gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in my new direction,” said McKinnis.

Dignity-U-Wear is able to supply clothing to those in need because of the companies that donate and volunteers that help sort and warehouse the clothing.

For more information on Dignity-U-Wear visit them on the web at www.dignityuwear.org.