Free School Laundromats Boost Self-Esteem In East Orange, Newark

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There’s something about having a load of clean laundry that puts a smile on your face.

Good vibes are the only currency that people need to use The Legacy Center at John L. Costley Middle School in East Orange. A free laundry room at the facility gives 1,100 students and their families a place to wash and dry their clothes, helping to address an essential need in the community.

The center — which also includes a “give and get” clothing exchange — has grown tremendously since opening in June last year, according to East Orange Mayor Ted Green.

Green, a big advocate of the center, visited students Tuesday, imparting some wisdom about responsibility, accountability and respect as he demonstrated his techniques for folding clothes.

In a social media post, Green offered a thank-you to the New Jersey-based Social Conscience Project, a sponsor of The Legacy Center.

“One of four of my boys came home telling me about today,” a parent wrote about the facility, calling it a “very good learning experience.”

“This idea should be adopted by all public schools,” another supporter said online.

When the center first opened, administrators in the East Orange Public School District called it “the first of its kind” in the state.

“The goal is to promote proper hygiene, combat low self-esteem and prevent bullying,” school administrators said. “Here, over 1,100 students and their families are able to access canned food, toiletries (thanks to Blessing Bag Brigade), clothing, computer access, access to do laundry and a comfortable place to decompress.”

Watch a video filmed at the center when it opened. People can learn more about making a donation to the center by calling the main office at 973-266-5660.

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WASHING AWAY THE CYCLE OF BULLYING

The inspiring laundry room at John L. Costley Middle School isn’t the only such effort in Essex County.

Last year, Akbar Cook, principal of West Side High School in Newark, made national headlines when he built a free laundromat in the school to help students who didn't have the means to wash their clothes.

An outspoken voice for anti-violence efforts in his home city, Cook has said the laundry room — which previously served as the football team’s old locker room — has changed the culture at school, helping to wash away the cycle of bullying.

The principal’s efforts caught the eyes of well-wishers across the nation, who have supported the laundry room with donations of detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets after Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres turned their spotlights his way.

• See related article: Newark's Inspiring School Laundromat On 'Ellen Show' (VIDEO)
• See related article: Oprah Winfrey Visits Newark School, Makes $500K Donation (WATCH)

Cook and the West Side school laundry room also got a big nod of thanks on Twitter from U.S. Sen. Cory Booker in honor of Black History Month last year.

“His tireless work is an inspiration to us all,” Booker wrote.

• See related article: Senator Praises Newark Principal Who Stopped Bullies With Laundry
• See related article: Newark 'Lights On' Program Provides Shelter From Violence For Students

THE MENACE OF BULLIES: PATCH ADVOCACY REPORTING PROJECT

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying.

Do you have a story to tell? Email us at bullies@patch.com, or share your views in the comments.

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