Chelsea Public Schools staff from the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex, Morris H. Seigal Clark Avenue Middle School and Central Office pictured with State Representative Judith Garcia at the Catie's Closet located at the elementary complex, which is accesible to all four schools at the complex.

CHELSEA, Mass. – On Tuesday, September 23, Chelsea Public Schools students, staff, school and district leaders and School Committee members gathered alongside legislative partners to celebrate a new partnership between CPS and Catie’s Closet. 

Catie’s Closet is an organization that gives children in need life-changing access to clothing and basic necessities so they can thrive in school and in life. Their vision is for every child to have access to the essentials that foster physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 

The launch event also featured the representatives from Catie’s Closet as well as the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.

The partnership with CPS will bring two “In-School Closets” to the district at the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex and the Morris H. Seigal Clark Avenue Middle School that will be stocked with clothing, toiletries and other necessities for students in need. A third closet at Chelsea High School will be unveiled later this school year. The hope is for this partnership to continue to grow and for Catie’s Closet to be available at all schools in the district.

Three Kelly School students and Principal Lisa Lineweaver pictured in the Catie's Closet at the elementary complex. Students and families from the Kelly School, along with the Berkowitz, Hooks and Sokolowski schools, will have access to Catie's Closet.

Dr. Abeyta commented, “We are so grateful to be partnering with Catie’s Closet. This collaboration allows us to provide students with the essentials they need to feel confident, cared for, and ready to learn each day. Together, we’re removing barriers for every child to thrive.”

The launch event, held at the in-school closet in the elementary complex, included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with students and remarks from Catie’s Closet Co-Founder and CEO Mickey Cockrell, State Representative Judith Garcia, Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta, and Chief of Staff Dr. Aaron T. Jennings. Senator Sal DiDomenico also played an instrumental role in bringing this partnership to Chelsea.

Students participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony to official open the Catie's Closet! Students were joined by Catie's Closet Co-Founder and CEO Mickey Cockrell (left) and CPS Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta (right).