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New nonprofit Clothed and Strength tells Mahoning County commissioners it now serves hundreds of single mothers from Poland Village location
Summary
Clothed and Strength, a recently launched nonprofit, told the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners it has moved into a Poland Village site, serves 40–75 women monthly and is seeking further support from state and local officials.
Clothed and Strength, a nonprofit serving single mothers, told the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners on Thursday that it has grown rapidly since launching in spring 2023 and now operates from a storefront in Poland Village.
Heather Brown, who spoke to commissioners, said the group started from community donations and operated out of storage units in Boardman before purchasing a property in Poland last May and opening a boutique and resource center in September. “If you're not familiar, Clothed and Strength, we're the new kids on the block. We launched just over 2 years ago in the spring of 20 23,” Brown said.
The presentation outlined services offered: donated clothing and home goods, monthly diapers and hygiene distributions in partnership with Project MKC, emergency financial grants and connections to local partner agencies, including Ursula Ministries and Beatitude House. Brown said the nonprofit attends partner meetings such as MiCAP and United Way and works to refer women to other services. “We have ... partnered with agencies like Project MKC. So we have diapers, wipes, women, and hygiene products every month,” she said.
Brown gave weekly and monthly service figures: the organization serves between about 40 and 75 women each month and sees new clients weekly. She said roughly 60% of who they serve live in Mahoning County. She also said the group recently submitted an operating request to the state with the support of “senator Controna,” and that Representative McNally and Representative Blaisdell had visited the facility.
Commissioners did not take any formal action on the presentation. No funding or directive was recorded at the meeting; Brown thanked commissioners for the opportunity to describe the group's work and requested continued help spreading word and support.
Clothed and Strength representatives requested continued partnerships and referrals from county and community groups to expand services and outreach; Brown said the group will return to follow up as needed.
