Jan Erin Corzo

Our MissionJan Erin Corzo formed "The Benefit Boutique" in order to support others in need while striving to build stronger relationships between her neighbors.Despite the challenges of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), she was inspired to create a way to fundraise from her own home.She began by assembling clothing racks and filling them with her high end, pre-loved dresses and heels she could no longer utilize. Being a woman with like-minded friends, she shared her idea, soon her home was a hub for bags upon boxes from her comrades with similar items.Our ProgressThis movement of neighborly love continually grows as charitable events are held to strengthen the bond between others in our community. Shoppers are invited to donate their own clothing, accessories and children's toys as a means of swapping.It furthers our culture of slow, and sustainable, fashion. The hope is that as we pass through different phases of our lives we can form a bond that shares our changing clothing along with our experiences as women, mothers and every role in between, with each other.Now we have grown to include men’s, as well as unisex, clothing shoes! The hope is that our growing support, from ALL of our friends, continues to flourish between all of us GIVERS. Jan strongly believes that if you take care of others your own burdens lessen.We now gather frequently, both formally and informally, to create items that contribute several of our efforts. We also have days where we sort through the donations and hang items in the boutique. FUNdraisers take place three times a year in many different forms, so our circle continues to expand. We now offer “Drop-In Sundays” are happening more frequently as a way to shop without an appointment.Our ImpactPosh with Purpose, the tagline of The Benefit Boutique, means that every penny you spend goes directly to two worthy causes. We currently have our funds evenly distributed between two 5013(c) nonprofits.Operation Turboa volunteer run, nonprofit that ships “Boxes of Home” to US military deployed around the world for free. Many of our military don’t receive any mail or support during their time in the service and whenever you’re away from the comfort of home, for six months to a year, Operation Turbo ensures that these men and women receive care packages with high quality items.“The Lighthouse”, the house atThe Outreach Centerlocated in Lafayette, provides a safe and nurturing environment for homeless families, particularly single women with children, who are struggling to make ends meet. They’re committed to helping those in need by providing shelter, food, and a range of supportive services to help families get back on their feet. A nonprofit giving hope to the homeless community across Acadiana.With the growing amount of support, the donations have increased. We’ve had the women and children of The Lighthouse over to shop, donated clothing and toys, to local shelters and disaster relief efforts both far and wide, and have even sent these items all of the way to Africa.In all that we do here, we do with love, always.