ST. LOUIS — In a season where young people have experienced cold and indifference, it is heartwarming to witness individuals who dedicate their lives to helping them navigate life.
Tracie Ousley, a compassionate soul who works in healthcare in St. Louis, has been on a mission for the past 15 years, bringing smiles and confidence to young women and men in her community through her initiative, Caring Mothers.
However, recent challenges have left her searching for a new place to house her collection of dresses, suits, and accessories that hold the power to transform lives.
Ousley's journey began over a decade ago when she decided to make a difference in the lives of the youth in her community.
"I prayed about it, and it just came on my heart. I started off with about 25 or 50 dresses. Now I have well over 200 dresses, and I have 75-100 suits for boys," she said.
For years, Ousley had the support of the Demetrious Johnson Foundation, which provided her with a safe place to store and distribute her donated clothing. A partnership with the city allowed her to use a building on Union Boulevard for this purpose. However, after Johnson's passing, the city decided to lock down the building due to its deteriorating condition and code violations.
This sudden change has left Ousley in a challenging situation.
"Then I had people, the girls, young ladies, and their parents reaching out for dresses, and I had to turn people away," she said.
The garments that had once filled her heart with hope and generosity were now in limbo.
The city's spokesperson acknowledged the long-standing agreement with the Demetrious Johnson Foundation but cited the building's deteriorating condition as a primary concern. Now, the Boys and Girls Club on Florissant Road has stepped in, offering Ousley a temporary space to store her collection. However, time is running out, as they have given her only a few days to find a more permanent solution.
Ousley's mission goes beyond just storing dresses and suits; she seeks a space to showcase her items to the people who need them the most.
"I need to display space for the children to come in so they can select what they are looking for. Dresses and suits. I have suits, jewelry, shoes, everything for kids for any special occasion that they may need," she expressed.
The importance of Ousley's work cannot be overstated. Providing young people with the opportunity to select their own outfits not only boosts their self-esteem but also reminds them that there are people who care about their well-being.
"When they come in to pick out dresses and they pick out suits, it helps build their self-esteem, and they also need to know that there are other people out here that care for them," she said.
The community is now rallying behind Tracie Ousley and her Caring Mothers project. Her search for a new home for her collection has brought to light the significance of her work and the positive impact she has had on countless young lives.
If you have any suggestions or resources that could assist Tracie Ousley in her mission, please reach out at 314-753-7786 and help her continue spreading hope, confidence, and love to those who need it most.