Senator Hassan Recognizes Heidi Matthews-Cantin and John Cantin of Manchester as April’s Granite Staters of the Month
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Heidi Matthews-Cantin and John Cantin of Manchester as April’s Granite Staters of the Month. Heidi and John co-manage Missy’s Closet, a resale boutique that is holding its fourth annual “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” event this month.
John lost his daughter, Melissa “Missy” Charbonneau, to a domestic violence incident in 2009, and Missy’s Closet was started in her memory. The resale boutique runs on donations and volunteers, and aims to serve survivors of domestic violence and those struggling with mental illness or substance misuse.
The mission of “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” is to make sure that every young woman, no matter her economic circumstance, has the opportunity to feel special and confident in her gown on prom night. Missy’s Closet offers a wide range of colors and sizes that young women can choose from, including free makeup and jewelry. Heidi and John’s work with Missy’s Closet’s “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” campaign is not just about the dress – it’s about providing young women a way to feel confident on their special night.
Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.
See here or below for Senator Hassan’s statement to the Congressional Record honoring Heidi Matthews-Cantin and John Cantin:
Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Heidi Matthews-Cantin and John Cantin of Manchester as April’s Granite Staters of the Month. Heidi and John co-manage Missy’s Closet, a resale boutique that is holding its fourth annual “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” event this month. This initiative allows young women who otherwise would not be able to afford a prom dress, the opportunity to pick one out for free.
John lost his daughter, Melissa “Missy” Charbonneau, to a domestic violence incident in 2009, and Missy’s Closet was started in her memory. The resale boutique runs on donations and volunteers, and aims to serve survivors of domestic violence and those struggling with mental illness or substance misuse.
The mission of “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” is to make sure that every young woman, no matter her economic circumstance, has the opportunity to feel special and confident in her gown on prom night. Missy’s Closet offers a wide range of colors and sizes that young women can choose from. This year, the boutique started off prom-dress season with more than 1,000 donated gowns, many of them new.
In addition, each young woman is assisted by a “fashion ambassador”—a volunteer who is trained to give clients words of encouragement and help them feel confident in their dresses. Free makeup and jewelry is also available to complete their looks.
Heidi and John’s work with Missy’s Closet’s “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” campaign is not just about the dress – it’s about providing young women a way to feel confident on their special night. Furthermore, it is not only the young women who walk away happy – the volunteers at Missy’s Closet take immense pride in their work and recognize the importance of making a positive change in their community. As Heidi herself says, kindness has a trickle-down effect, and all you need to do is help one person a day.
John and Heidi embody the New Hampshire spirit of generosity and kindness by working to ensure that everyone — regardless of financial circumstance – has the opportunity to thrive.
###
