Felicia's Donation Closet Eases Difficult Life Transitions

Felicia's Donation Closet volunteers pose in front of their 15-foot moving truck after another successful move in day.

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin states that 1 in 3 women are impacted by domestic abuse in their lifetime. There are many remarkable organizations in Dane County that assist with shelter needs, intervention services, education, and training for domestic abuse survivors. However, Felicia Raye Diny recognized there were few resources for survivors after their shelter stay, a time when they are particularly vulnerable.

In 2020, Felicia posted on Facebook asking friends for furniture and essentials they might be looking to get rid of. Although she didn’t know it at the time, that simple and thoughtful post would turn into her running her own organization. Felicia’s Donation Closet has a holistic approach to support domestic abuse survivors by providing home furnishing essentials free of charge, so families moving from a shelter can start their new chapter in a positive way.

“I started Felicia's Donation Closet because I am a survivor myself. I wanted to give back to the community by helping women who were just like me,” commented Diny. “I never in my life thought that the nonprofit would be this HUGE!”

In the last four years, Diny and her team of volunteers have been able to provide beds, dressers, tables, sofas, and other household essentials to 158 women and 270 children, with 100% of families living below poverty level. “Between 2022 and 2023, the number of families in need tripled,” stated Diny. “The need is growing and we are growing with it.”

Felicia Raye Diny, Founder & Executive Director, connects with each and every woman she supports.

Felica’s Donation Closet currently uses a 17-foot moving truck for all furniture pick ups and deliveries. Keeping up with demand and store furniture, required moving warehouse spaces three times in 2024 alone. Felicia’s is also an entirely volunteer run organization.

To increase efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability of the organization, Diny began her first capital campaign in early 2024. This fundraising would allow Felicia’s Donation Closet to purchase a smaller panel van to make smaller donation pick-ups more cost-effective, expand its current warehouse space, and hire full-time staff. MCF supported the campaign with a $75,000 Community Impact grant in 2024.

Learn more about Felicia’s Donation Closet at www.feliciasdonationcloset.org