For over 30 years, Jeffrey King has devoted his professional career to helping at-risk youth become the best version of themselves. As the current Clinical Coordinator for Child & Family Support Services, his approach to behavioral healthcare is to customize care to the specific needs of each youth.
Some common denominators of the youth King works with are self-esteem and self-image issues and the desire to improve confidence. “We work together on their immediate needs, set goals to help them overcome obstacles to function as healthy humans, and ultimately to experience hope and joy in their lives,” he said.
New Styles Bring Newfound Confidence
King credits Teens’ Closet in Prescott, Ariz. as a service that encourages positive change in the lives of these teens. Teens’ Closet is part of Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership program (NSYP). NSYP began as the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TAPP) and has since expanded to include over 10 programs to help youth be confident, make healthy choices and get involved.
Teens’ Closet provides new and gently used clothing, hygiene items and birthday bags to teens ages 13-19. It also offers support services including resources and referrals, assistance with job hunting, help finding financial aid for college and more.
“Teens’ Closet helps teens feel special, valued and [brings dignity to] their parents, who are not in a financial position to provide these items. Most can barely afford their rent, let alone new clothing and shoes. These services assist parents in making dreams come true,” King said.
Teens’ Closet Provides More Than Just Clothing
Aiden, a Teens’ Closet client, says Teens’ Closet has done more to stop bullying at school than any other service. He says the nice clothes he’s received make him feel more confident and that kids treat him differently, which positively impacts his confidence in social settings because he feels accepted.
Thanks to generous donors, Teens’ Closet is also able to help with unique requests such as specific items required for employment. Gio, one of King’s clients, received a special pair of athletic shoes to play basketball.
Promoting Social Skills
King adds that when taking teens to appointments at Teens’ Closet, it also helps them with prosocial communication skills. They cheer each other on while shopping for items and bond with Teens’ Closet staff and volunteers.
“Teens’ Closet isn’t just keeping youth warm, it’s changing the trajectory of their lives,” said King.
Teens’ Closet is located on the Taylor Hicks Elementary School Campus at 1845 Campbell Ave. Building 100 in Prescott. To schedule an appointment, please call 928-379-1667.
