About Us

HISTORY:  

During graduate school, Tyleen (founder of Monarch Formals) was president of the Student Association of Social Workers (SASW). She initiated and led a prom dress project in which she collected over 500 dresses, $2500 in cash donations, and several donated services.  SASW served nearly 100 youth in foster care. Tyleen received special recognitions for this project including being recognized by the Hattiesburg American newspaper as one of 12 people who made a difference in the community, named Social Work Student of the Year by the University of Southern Mississippi and she received the Claire Nowlin Social Work Student of the Year given by the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.  

A former foster youth herself, she understands the need of being without during important events. When the USAF moved her family to Cannon AFB in 2008, 400 dresses PCS'ed along. Learning the limited opportunities for formal wear in the High Plains, the program soon became a 501(c)3 nonprofit and has been serving our local communities, one formal at a time. The first program of its kind in Clovis and surrounding areas. Monarch Formals has grown to over 5000 formal wear items in our inventory. 

In 2014, another military move led Tyleen to create an additional location her her homestate of Kansas. After fours years of mission, this location closed with hopes of reopening in the future. 

In 2019, shortly before the pandemic, a generous donation was given to Monarch Formals and a 16ft mobile unit was purchased for Monarch Formals on the Move. This allows Monarch Formals to create special moments for those in rural areas. 

The new chapter. In 2025, after 17 years, the Clovis location closed and Monarch Formals has moved to the final destination in Leavenworth, Kansas. Monarch Formals, and founder Tyleen Caffrey is excited about serving Leavenworth and surrounding communities while building a network with new opportunities. 

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Monarch Formals provides formal wear for anyone for any formal occasion accepting only monetary donations to borrow the items. To continue to progress and expand, financial contributions and in-kind support are major factors in Monarch Formals' success and future. 

Tyleen graduated from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a bachelor's of Arts in Music. She earned her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and has an extensive resume in the social work field from practice to teaching in higher education. Tyleen completed her Ph.D. degree in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University in 2022. She also has a Bachelors in Arts in Music and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional. 

AWARDS:

Her success with this program led her to being honored in 2013 as the Citizen of the Year for the The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge # 1244 in Clovis, NM. She was  featured in an article in the Clovis New Journal for Women Business Leaders, and nominated for a Golden Gorilla award at Pittsburg State University. Tyleen was also awarded "Volunteer of the Month" for March 2019 from the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce for her hard work and dedication. 

VISION

To ensure individuals in need of formal attire have access regardless of financial situation.

MISSION

Monarch Formals' mission is dedicated to establishing positive memories during important occasions in one’s life. By receiving new, gently used formals, accessories, and donated services, Monarch Formals makes certain that individuals don’t miss out on important life events because they don’t have the proper attire. Monarch Formals is for EVERYONE!

Monarch Formals (501c3) nonprofit organization is an all-volunteer organization powered by the support of our community.

***We are a sustainable change organization with an aim to reduce waste and extend the life of clothing. 

It all starts with the dress.  It is a girl's dream to feel like they are walking on the red carpet for their special event. The national average cost of going to prom continues to be expensive, with the nationwide average being nearly $1200.  For those facing hardships, this expense can be a burden and deter high school students from attending this special high school event.  This is true for other formal events, including weddings, pageants, school banquets, military events, and other special occasions.  Monarch Formals' goal is to cut the biggest cost to attending these formals: the attire.    

Monarch Formals simply ask for individuals who borrow items from our organization to make a monetary donation.  These funds help sustain the program and help others in need.  

Have you ever borrowed a library book? Borrowing a formal from Monarch Formals is just as easy. Monarch Formals provides this service for all formal events.  Monarch Formals is a service that can be used by anyone who wants to attend their formal event in self-confidence and style without any financial burden. It's not just the dress, it is about promoting self-esteem and individual beauty in those who borrow our formals, and the confidence we can build when we can help supply suits and tuxes for the men.  We have formals for all ages, from infant to older adults, and in all sizes. Our charge as an organization is to continue the idea in which the simple loan of formal attire will enhance the dignity and worth of those who receive this service.  

The success of Monarch Formals depends on the invaluable support from the volunteers, donors, and community support.