For some, it’s a gown. For others, a suit. For many, it’s the first time they’ve ever felt truly seen. It’s the quiet confidence that replaces doubt, the moment you stand a little taller—not just because of what you’re wearing, but because of how it makes you feel. At The Glass Slipper in Fredericktown, Missouri, this transformation happens every day—and not just in the mirror.
Offered through HOPE—Healing Our Past Experiences—The Glass Slipper is far more than a boutique. It’s a resource for anyone in need of formal wear, regardless of your social status or income. What sets this shop apart isn’t just that it offers thousands of dresses and suits at $50 or less—it’s the purpose behind it all.
The Glass Slipper began as a small pop-up effort known as The Glass Slipper Project, started by a few generous women who opened their doors four or five times a year to help marginalized children in need. After five years, that spark of kindness passed into the hands of Amber McCutcheon, who in 2023 brought the project under the wing of her nonprofit, HOPE.
Amber’s story is one of resilience turned into purpose. A survivor of childhood sexual trauma, she founded HOPE in 2017 after discovering there were no local resources to support her own healing journey. What began as a personal mission has grown into a far-reaching network of support for survivors and community members alike.
When Amber took over The Glass Slipper, there were just over 400 dresses. Today, it’s grown to more than 2,000 gowns and suits, mostly new inventory with tags—from youth sizes to plus sizes—intentionally inclusive and lovingly curated. A true one-stop resale experience. In turn, the shop has kept its original name because it perfectly captures their belief: everyone deserves their own Cinderella moment.
Here it’s not about quantity, it’s about experience. The Glass Slipper holds one open shopping day per month, but prioritizes personal appointments. Volunteers spend time helping each guest feel comfortable and seen, guiding them to find something that not only fits, but makes them feel radiant. Clients of all ages are welcomed into a private, supportive space. There’s no pressure. No judgment. Just kindness, connection, and clothes that nurture.
But what happens at The Glass Slipper goes far beyond clothing. As part of HOPE’s mission, every dress and every conversation becomes a step toward healing. That mission shines brightly at Walk in Confidence, a fashion show launched by HOPE in 2023 to celebrate strength, and beauty across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The event returns November 14th at The Venue at Sawyer’s Landing in Fredericktown. Participants don’t compete – they’re seen, honored, and celebrated. They help HOPE walk out their mission to raise awareness, connect individuals, and encourage healing.
“Confidence is the only thing a perpetrator fears,” Amber says. And confidence is stitched into every seam, of every ensemble.
Under Amber’s direction, HOPE has expanded far beyond The Glass Slipper—offering support groups, an online healing curriculum, and meaningful community outreach. From donating thousands of notebooks to kids at MAC’s Back to School Bash, to attending student transition fairs and hosting creative fundraisers, HOPE continues to find ways to meet people where they are, and walk with them towards healing.
Whether you’re shopping for a prom dress, a bridal gown, or a casual date night, The Glass Slipper offers a place of refuge to unveil your inner beauty. Appointments can be booked through Facebook, Instagram, or by calling 1-844-287-9467. Volunteers will work around your schedule—because you are worth the time, the effort, and the celebration.
But this mission cannot continue without help.
The Glass Slipper runs entirely on donations—both financial and physical. They accept gently used and new formalwear for men, women, and youth. Every gown, suit, and accessory was placed there by someone who believed in helping another person feel valued.
Monetary donations go directly toward dry cleaning, garment storage, shopping materials, and the long-term goal of expanding into a larger, more private space. This isn’t just a boutique. It’s a safe space for everyone. A sanctuary for survivors reclaiming their sense of self, and a place where you can truly, come as you are.
In rural areas like ours, access to resources like this is rare. That’s why it matters. That’s why The Glass Slipper exists. And that’s why it needs you. Every contribution helps keep their mission sustainable so they can continue to give back to the community that believes in them.
So, if you have a dress that once made you feel beautiful, or a suit that made you feel strong, consider donating it. If you believe in a mission that turns pain into purpose, consider giving financially. Because when you give to The Glass Slipper, you give someone their Cinderella moment—their joy, their confidence, their chance to finally look in the mirror and love what they see.
To learn more about HOPE’s mission visit www.2tryhope.com