SF Project Provides New Clothes For Jobseekers

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ― A couple of years ago, Stanley Edwards wasn't buying a cup of coffee like he is today, he was panhandling outside the shop.

"I was homeless," he remembers. "I was on the streets. Drugs and alcohol was my life at that point in time."

But he chose to change his life. He went to a rehabilitation program to help him get clean, and when it came time to find a job, he got help from A Miner Miracle.

"They took my measurements, they got me an outfit, and it was a nice one!" he says with a laugh. "When I looked at myself, I said, 'Ok, I'm back.'"

Helping clients get their lives back is what inspires Kathy Miner. After a career in business and fashion, she launched the non-profit "A Miner Miracle" to give free professional clothing and image consulting to low-income men and women trying to get at job. It all started with a call to volunteer at the Salvation Army back in August of 1994.

"I called and said I want to start a little service project and I want to come and dress the women," Kathy explains.

The Salvation Army had about a half-dozen women ready for help, and that was just the beginning. Today, A Miner Miracle assists 800 men and women a year in San Francisco.

"When a client comes in, they come to a special private space," Kathy says, gesturing to a curtained area set aside in the corner of her spacious shop.

Her service is nothing short of transformative. She's been recognized with awards and television profiles that highlight her many success stories.

She adds, "The big thing that I see is the light of hope that says, 'Maybe I can do this, maybe I can do this now."

Using her contacts in the clothing industry, Kathy gets the latest fashions and styles. She only offers new clothing, samples, and designer labels like Via Spiga, DKNY, and Ann Taylor.

Much of her non-profit is funded from a store on Mission Street, where the public can shop at discount, and the proceeds support those who can't pay. After sixteen years, A Miner Miracle is still growing. Just two weeks ago, Kathy opened another store: 9000 square feet on Sutter Street near Union Square.

"I want a bigger store that provides quality clothes for everybody, so the community can come and get a good discount and all the money goes to charity," Kathy says.

It's a win-win idea that helped Stanley Edwards get a job, and much more than just a change of clothes: "Confidence, self esteem, encouragement, and strength," says Stanley.

For giving hope and dignity to those trying to change their lives, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Kathy Miner.

By Kate Kelly

Related Link:

* A Miner Miracle

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