Hi Friends!

My name is MelRo, and I am elated to announce that I’ve started my own Non-Profit: MelRo’s Foundation. This foundation has been created to support the needs of youth who live in foster care.

Having navigated the foster care system myself, I know firsthand that resilience is often built in isolation. Now, I’m channeling that experience into MelRo’s Foundation to ensure no youth walks this path alone. We provide essential resources, mentorship, and stability to teens transitioning out of care. Your donation doesn't just fund a program; it tells our youth that they are worthy, supported, and capable of a bright future.

I am fundraising for this first project: MelRo’s Closet. This initiative’s goal is to create an immersive mobile closet experience that allows youth to “shop” for free. Youth in care often do not receive ample clothing, toiletries, or even luggage to carry their belongings.

I was that youth. I was often teased at school for wearing the same clothes and would transport the little I did own in black trash bags. This was dehumanizing and certainly a blow to my self-esteem. I vowed to “one day” create a solution for youth.

Over the past few years, I have collected luggage items for youth while partnering with local schools. At times, we collected more than 1,000 pieces.

I also have run a couple of “Pop Up Closet” events during Foster Care Awareness Month and oversaw other organizations doing it. With deep gratitude to the community partners who supported the project, we were able to collect clothing, luggage, and toiletries for youth (please see the photos).

I noticed a major issue.

Many times, youth were not able to physically get to the closet experiences due to lack of transportation.

I had a light bulb moment and decided to take MelRo’s Closet on the road—literally!

It was my thought, if the youth couldn’t get to me, I would get to them. That’s what MelRo’s Closet is designed to do.

From visiting child welfare agencies, group homes, youth detention centers (for youth who will be released into care), and other organizations that support youth, the plan is to bring resources to their front door.

This closet will have music, soft lighting, a calm, healing atmosphere, and will offer clothing, shoes, duffle bags, and toiletries.

All at no charge to the youth.

For this project to happen, the mobile closet (a trailer) must be purchased, contractors hired to create the infrastructure, and the trailer must be “wrapped” with the logo. I’ll also need to purchase a used pickup truck, insurance, and storage fees.

I appreciate you being part!

In Light,

MelRo