Aging out of the foster care system can be scary for anyone.

Now young women on the West Shore can access a free store that provides home furnishings free-of-charge to at-risk girls.

B次元官网网址淲hen some of the girls age out of foster care they leave with a small $250 stipend and are given a bachelor apartment,B次元官网网址� said Joan Jackson, a volunteer at AnneyB次元官网网址檚 Closet. B次元官网网址淲e had one girl leave care with only two paper bags (of belongings).B次元官网网址�

The 18-year-old left the View Royal free store with a bed, bedding, tables, chair and towels.

B次元官网网址淪he kept asking if there were strings attached,B次元官网网址� said Jackson.

AnneyB次元官网网址檚 Closet caters to teen and young mothers as well as teens aging out of the foster care system.

Many get a small one-time stipend to purchase items for their home. Income from any other charity can affect that stipend, so AnneyB次元官网网址檚 Closet offers items free.

Sharlene Law, an outreach team lead for the Umbrella Society, accompanied one of her clients to the free store to help furnish a new bachelor apartment.

B次元官网网址淚 was not expecting it to be as good as it is. ItB次元官网网址檚 so organized,B次元官网网址� said Law, adding sheB次元官网网址檚 not aware of any other facility like it in Greater Victoria. B次元官网网址淣ormally the best we do is go to a thrift store and try to get a voucher to buy things.B次元官网网址�

Without AnneyB次元官网网址檚 Closet, LawB次元官网网址檚 client, a former homeless youth, would have been living in an apartment with just a donated microwave.

B次元官网网址淪he took home a bed, pots, pans, mugs, cups, a table and bedding. She was able to go and sleep in her bed that night,B次元官网网址� Law said. B次元官网网址淲e live in such a disposable society IB次元官网网址檇 like to see more people donate here.B次元官网网址�

Soroptomist International of Victoria West Shore operates the free store. The club has about 30 members and meets twice a month in Langford.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e been doing this quietly for a year, but we are ready for our official launch,B次元官网网址� said Jackson.

It is not open to the public and clients are only connected through a social worker or social agency.

However theyB次元官网网址檒l host an open house at Westshore U-Lock, 1621 Island Highway, June 8 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Volunteers will be on hand to offer tours and answer questions.

For more information or to organize a donation go to www.anneyscloset.com