We are proud of our grantee, The Konnection, founded by Sharnese Miller to help keep students in school by making sure they have the essential supplies they need. They are celebrating their 4th birthday and the opening of a brand new Konnection Kloset in a new school. In addition to our annual grant, GPF used funds from our Uplifting Lives Program to send an order of clothing to help replenish the Klosets as they kick off the school year!
Pictured above is the grand opening of the new Konnection Kloset. While this location will not house clothing daily, monthly clothing pop-ups (1–2 per month) will take place based on student need. Permanent items available here will include hygiene products, school supplies, underclothes, and more—resources students have said are most essential.
Sharnese shares more about the importance of Konnection Klosets:
“In Detroit, chronic absenteeism is one of the biggest barriers to student success. Often, the reason students miss school is tied to unmet basic needs—whether it’s hygiene items, clean underclothes, or school supplies. The Konnection Klosets were created to remove those barriers while also giving students a sense of dignity, love, and connection to their school community. Each Kloset is intentionally unique—its design, feel, and the resources it carries are shaped by the voices of the students themselves. By expanding, we are broadening the reach of this support and ensuring more youth have what they need to confidently show up, learn, and thrive.”
