What does the term “operations” mean at Valley Outreach? It’s how we handle the day-to-day activities and business of managing a nonprofit that serves thousands of people. This includes everything from making sure we have paper for the printers to working computers for our staff to maintaining our building. A solid operational foundation supports our mission.

“We’re continually working on ways to improve our operations, so our team can focus on the work of our programs,” says Megan Buchanan, Director of Operations. “We prioritize the work by asking, ‘what can we do to better?’ and ‘what needs to change to provide a better experience at Valley Outreach?’”

Creating a welcoming space for anyone who comes to Valley Outreach is an important part of our operations work. After recently repaving our parking lot this summer (good-bye, potholes!), our next major project is expanding our clothing program and moving it into a new space called StyleXchange – more than double the size of our current shopping area.

Introducing StyleXchange

This fall, we’re opening StyleXchange, a new retail shop, as part of our clothing program expansion. We’re so excited because we’ll be able to serve more people through a better shopping experience and broader selection of clothing! Our space will more than double in size. Clients will still receive clothes at no cost, and we’ll also be open to the public to both donate and shop. Just like our popular Fill (Y)our Closet sale, all proceeds will go directly to supporting clients needs. The shop will be in the same building – 1931 Curve Crest Blvd.

With this expansion, we are changing the name from Clothing Closet to StyleXchange. It reflects the quality of the brand names and basics available for everyone – clothing will be available in a variety of men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes and styles. It also highlights the spirit of community engagement needed to sustain both the clothing program and real change in people’s lives.