In 2016, a small but powerful idea grew into something life-changing for our community: A Caring Closet. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission has always been simple yet profound—to provide gently used durable medical equipment (DME) to those who need it most, at no cost. From hospital beds and wheelchairs to walkers, bath benches, and adult briefs, our shelves are stocked with items that restore independence, comfort, and dignity.
We believe that care should never come with conditions. That’s why A Caring Closet helps everyone—no matter their age, race, gender, or income. Our doors are open to all, and no one is ever turned away.
What makes our organization especially unique is the heart behind it: our volunteers. Many of them work closely with seniors in their daily lives and bring that same compassion, dedication, and wisdom to serving here. Their time, energy, and kindness fuel every donation, every delivery, and every smile we get to witness.
Since opening our doors, we’ve grown into a trusted community resource—an exchange built on generosity, care, and the belief that everyone deserves the tools to live with dignity.
Sara Scheetz is the Owner and Placement Expert of Senior Living Locator, with nearly two decades of experience in long-term care. Her career spans the founding and successful operation of an in-home care agency, and she is certified in Adult Family Home Administration.
She is also the co-founder of A Caring Closet, a nonprofit that provides free medical equipment to seniors in need, where she continues to serve as Board Emeritus. Sara’s leadership and impact have been recognized widely, she has been honored as one of Washington State University’s Women of Distinction, the Vancouver Business Journal’s “Accomplished and Under 40,” and awarded the Metropolitan Senior Network Care Award.
A lifelong Vancouver resident, Sara and her husband raised their two sons in the same community she grew up in. An Ironman finisher, she brings endurance, dedication, and heart to both her personal life and her work helping families make informed, compassionate decisions about senior living.
Jodie Zelazny graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Leisure Services, specializing in Tour and Resort Management. She has spent over 20 years in healthcare and currently works as a Sales Counselor at Touchmark at Fairway Village, where she helps seniors and their families find the right living solutions.
As co-founder of A Caring Closet, Jodie is dedicated to providing durable medical equipment at no cost, helping people live with dignity, comfort, and independence.
When she’s not working, Jodie loves to travel. She and her friends often turn their trips into adventures by running races and triathlons together. She also enjoys guiding blind athletes in triathlons, catching the latest Broadway shows, and spending time with her animals, who she adores.
Ava Rose is a believer in the power of community-based solutions to meaningfully improve societal health and wellbeing. She holds an MBA and an MA in Education. As a nonprofit consultant, Ava specialized in board development and strategic planning, helping organizations of all sizes build capacity through clear goals and effective programming. Across previous roles in startups, program management, and education, Ava has worked at every organizational level, from volunteer to leader, and uses that diverse experience to build thriving organizations through strong community engagement, operational excellence, and creative problem solving. Ava is excited to connect with this amazing community, and eager to build on the incredible work of our volunteers to ensure everyone who needs A Caring Closet is able to access our services.
Alan Hamilton loves this community and the work that many nonprofits do to make it an even better place to live. Most recently, he was President of the Clark County Food Bank for over 12 years, and he previously worked with a number of nonprofits of all types and sizes. He enjoys leadership, learning, people, and the outdoors. He especially enjoys his wife and 3 grown children. Alan is thrilled to be a part of A Caring Closet and the brilliant, impactful work they are doing!