Boutique Filled with Love and Courage Opens Inside Chicago High School

A special education teacher transforms a closet into a resource hub for students in need.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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What started as a small closet filled with free prom dresses for students has transformed into a boutique filled with love and courage at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy in Chicago. The school hosted a special ceremony celebrating the renovation of Chloe's Closet, a clothing closet for students in need, and the official launch of Chloe's Kitchen, a new on-campus food pantry.

Why it matters

This initiative by a special education teacher at Dunbar High School aims to support students facing food insecurity and a lack of essential resources, addressing critical needs in the local community. The project's growth from a small closet to a full-fledged boutique and pantry highlights the power of grassroots efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people.

The details

Tyesa Walton, a special education teacher at Dunbar, created Chloe's Closet in honor of her daughter Chloe, who died shortly after birth. The closet has now been renovated into a boutique-style space, and Walton has also launched Chloe's Kitchen, an on-campus food pantry. Both resources are aimed at supporting students facing food insecurity or in need of essential items. The project was made possible through the support of multiple sponsors, including the Witherite Law Group and 1-800-Truck-Wreck.

  • The school hosted a special ceremony on February 20, 2026 to celebrate the renovation and launch.
  • Chloe's Closet was originally created by Tyesa Walton as a small closet filled with free prom dresses for students.

The players

Tyesa Walton

A special education teacher at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy who created Chloe's Closet and Chloe's Kitchen to support students in need.

Chloe

Walton's daughter who passed away shortly after birth, and whom Chloe's Closet is named after.

Nyah Gibson

A past student at Dunbar who expressed gratitude for Walton's work.

Witherite Law Group

A sponsor that helped make the renovation of Chloe's Closet possible.

1-800-Truck-Wreck

A sponsor that helped make the creation of Chloe's Kitchen food pantry possible.

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What they’re saying

“We are bringing some good back to the hood. I am still in shock. I am still in awe.”

— Tyesa Walton, Special Education Teacher

“What she did for students, what she did for me, I cannot even put into words.”

— Nyah Gibson, Past Student (NBC Chicago)

“We are trying to make sure that kids get the essentials that they need.”

— Tristan Podlasek (1-800-Truck-Wreck)

What’s next

Walton was named 2025 Teacher of the Year by the organization, and the school plans to continue expanding the resources and support offered through Chloe's Closet and Chloe's Kitchen.

The takeaway

This grassroots initiative by a dedicated teacher demonstrates the power of community-driven efforts to address critical needs and support students facing challenges. By transforming a small closet into a boutique and pantry, Walton has created a hub of love and courage that is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people.