Background
Commonality is a newly developed social work initiative that started in response to a local need in Rochester, NY. It was discovered that there are currently no services specifically for children of low-income families that afford the freedom for children to purchase clothing of their choice. Instead, for example, some efforts assist children by offering used clothing or new clothing that may or may not be the right size or style.

Purpose
In response to the identified needs, Commonality will be selling clothing and miscellaneous items for two purposes: 1) to raise awareness of the importance of common ground with those around us, and 2) to make a small gesture to meet needs so others have this freedom as well. One-hundred percent of proceeds will be donated to a local agency so that social workers can designate funds to assist with children’s clothing. A pilot study will be conducted to ascertain the most sought after clothing stores at which gift cards will be purchased and distributed according to need. Recipients will be expected to return receipts for the purchases before obtaining subsequent assistance.

Why clothing?
Since children’s identity and self-esteem are influenced by the image that they presume to be portraying to others, it is important that children feel comfortable with the way they appear to others (however shallow it may seem). Commonality suggests that culturally relevant clothing should be the least of worries for children. Moreover, through years of work with families it became apparent that the pressure experienced by children not only affects them but also the entire family. This past fall, a single mother noted that she felt so helpless since she could not afford school clothes for her children that she began to sell her personal items to raise money. Every year when school approaches many parents feel discouraged by this same stress. While many schools are requiring school uniforms, which is a great idea, children continue to need clothing during out-of-school hours. This is simply one of many potential efforts to reduce the burden on families. Commonality also hopes to network with community members to obtain other resources for the community.