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Lisa Temple sometimes finds it hard to think of her skills as a makeup artist as tools for ministry. But every time she gives a makeover to a newly released female prisoner, she's reminded of how God can use every talent.
"Since inmates aren't allowed to wear makeup, the ladies look in the mirror and can't believe how attractive they look," says Lisa. "I love that!"
| Photo by Billy Brown |
Lisa's a volunteer at Kate's Closet, a Montgomery, Alabama-based boutique that provides makeovers to just-released prisoners from nearby Julia Tutwiler Prison. On visiting the boutique, women are given professional clothing to wear on job interviews, along with accessories, personal care items, and a Bible.
Kate's Closet opened its doors in June 2002. Just a few months earlier, the boutique's founder, Kim Bullard, was sitting in the basement of her church, listening to a presentation about another organization, Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM).
The presenter, Kate Richardson, spoke about AIM's goals: to introduce female inmates to Christ through Bible studies and Christian mentoring, and to provide job training and counseling. She also spoke about the lack of support available to prisoners after their release. On the day of release, Kate explained, a woman is given a ten-dollar check, a one-way bus ticket home, and easily recognizable, standard-issue prison-release garb: tan slacks and a white shirt.
"Too often, the church just preaches at you, then you're left hanging," Kate told the audience, explaining the viewpoint of the typical prisoner. "What's needed is for former prisoners to walk into the arms and hearts of people who really care."
Then Kate rattled off her own prison number, revealing she'd once been an inmate. Kim hardly could believe the well-dressed, articulate woman standing before her had served time at Julia Tutwiler Prison.
Kim was deeply moved by Kate's story. the image of these women leaving the prison in obvious prison-issued clothing stuck in her mind. She thought about how the simple gift of clothing really could encourage these women.
Kim shared the idea with her church's Women in Missions group, and they immediately began making plans to open a boutique for these former inmates. Kim contacted AIM, and the organization agreed to connect her with recently released prisoners. Kim then received permission to use a barn located on the church property to house the boutique.
News of the church's project quickly spread. Kim began receiving donations of money, clothing, makeup, and toiletries from businesses, community members, and other churches. Racks and cabinets were brought in, and the boutique was painted bright colors. Stylish displays of "nearly new" suits, dresses, shoes, purses, and other accessories were set up as appealingly as at a mall boutique. Kim decided it was only appropriate to name the boutique after Kate Richardson, whose talk had inspired the idea.
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