Today we’d like to introduce you to Esmee Bancroft
Hi Esmee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I am the founder and Executive Director of Ocala Clothing Swap. We are a free community closet open to everyone, regardless of need. We use the model of a community closet to teach principles of mutual aid and sustainability. Initially, this would be a one-time event for friends to trade clothing. I was coming out of four years of being homebound with physical disabilities. Desiring to connect with my community in a fun and helpful way, I partnered with a friend to host a free Clothing Swap in downtown Ocala (August 2023). I had no idea that the initial idea would turn into a bonafide nonprofit with so much momentum behind it.
I’m no stranger to a spark of inspiration that becomes a life purpose. During my undergraduate years at Georgia State University, I was inspired by a local magazine article about a beautiful woman named Rachel, whose death could have been avoided if there were safeguards in place to prevent her fatal overdose. I changed my major to political science, with minors in neuroscience and educational psychology. I used my classes and expert feedback from professors to teach me how to lobby for an overdose prevention law. This law expanded naloxone access and provided medical amnesty for those making a good-faith effort to save someone during an overdose. Dubbed the “Georgia 911 Good Samaritan Policy,” this law allows people to call for help during a medical emergency without the risk of arrest for what they’re using or what they possess (within limits). When I wasn’t in class or engaging with peers in drug policy reform, I was lobbying legislators at the Georgia State Capitol, a few blocks from my college campus. The bill was signed into law during my senior year. I am following the example set during my undergraduate years by studying for a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration so I can lead Ocala Clothing Swap to be the best nonprofit it can be.
My 20s were marked with life-limiting disability. I experienced deep social isolation, shame, and despair as it took doctors years to uncover the root of my health challenges. I watched as my brain and body went from being a thriving young adult to barely being able to speak or walk for weeks at a time. There were many times I did not think I would survive, but I promised myself that if I did, I would use my lived experience and research to help others who are also struggling, isolated, scared, and needing someone to say, “You aren’t alone, I’m here.” I’m very fortunate to have received diagnoses that aren’t fatal when treated. My care team secured me a power wheelchair and other accommodations for when my conditions flared. I dedicated years to reconditioning my body while managing dynamic symptoms. Now that I’m back in the community, my eyes are open wider to barriers to accessibility and inclusion. Ocala Clothing Swap’s core values are shaped by my life experiences, particularly access for all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I established Ocala Clothing Swap as a nonprofit from my bed. We run and operate from my bedroom and back porch. All donations are sorted and stored in my backyard. Because of my physical limitations, we rely heavily on volunteers to assist with sorting clothing, moving clothing, picking up and dropping off donations, and running our free boutique at community events. Our dedicated volunteers have allowed Ocala Clothing Swap to expand its reach and divert more textiles from waste streams, recycling them within our community instead. Fellow board member Danial Smith and I have been dedicating 40+ hour work weeks for a couple of months on a volunteer basis. As a nonprofit, we are always searching for ways to generate funding to expand our program reach. Our services are so profoundly needed in Ocala, Florida, and surrounding areas; many of the people we serve don’t have the means to buy clothing. We are currently fundraising for a school bus converted into a mobile boutique so we can pull up to where community members work, live, and play. It is wild how quickly a project budget can add up! I am learning to fundraise and establish real-time donor/community partner relations.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ocala Clothing Swap is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We envision an engaged and resilient community where individuals are empowered to reduce landfill contributions through sharing and repurposing. Our free community closet propagates principles and skills that organize communities to meet the diverse needs of neighbors through sustainable mutual reliance. Individuals join in by volunteering and donating. When we “pop up” at community events, people search out our signature royal blue storage bags and “Free Clothing Boutique” signs.
In the past year, we have reintroduced several pieces of clothing into our community. We watch community members walk away with overflowing bags full of outfits and a sense of confidence, security, and peace of mind that their needs are met. Our community closets clothes for school children, adults for interviews/work, people experiencing drastic life changes, and more. For Earth Month (April 2024), we completed a three-week swap-athon at significant community events. We started receiving our 501(c)3 verification and ended the month with our inaugural “Treat Yo Self” event. Treat Yo Self is all about self and community care. We offered free haircuts, clothing, games, self-care raffles, tie-dying, and other activities. The event was a significant success, and we are already planning another one.
Additionally, we have begun collecting luxury and designer donations for a holiday season auction. There are so many ways for individuals to support our mission: sharing resources and donating time, money, and clothing. We accept all fashion and textile items, even ones with rips and stains.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I don’t believe in the concept of good or bad luck. I choose to be intentional with my mindset and seek external support when needed. There is no denying that I am afforded certain privileges. Through my disabling health experiences and drug policy reform work, I have experienced firsthand the impact an individual can make when addressing inequality and accessibility. It’s a conscious choice to engage in my work – and I think others are inspired, too, and seek to support these efforts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ocalaclothingswap.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OcalaCS/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ocalaclothingswap?_t=8mLj2Hv5OpT&_r=1
