Mae's Closet, a Wheel It Forward Program
If you're looking for durable medical equipment in Greater New Haven or elsewhere in Connecticut, the team at Wheel It Forward (WIF) is ready to help.
Following the successful transition of Mae's Closet on July 1, the former IVCG program is now part of Wheel It Forward's growing network of community-based Durable Medical Equipment Lending Libraries. As the fifth and sixth WIF lending library locations, Mae's Closet continues its mission of connecting neighbors with the equipment they need to remain safe, independent, and active.
For equipment loans, donations, or program questions, please contact the Mae's Closet / Wheel It Forward team directly at (475) 414-8333.
Please note: Mae's Closet is no longer operated by IVCG and is not located at IVCG's administrative offices. To receive the fastest assistance, please contact Wheel It Forward directly rather than the IVCG office.
A New Chapter for a Trusted Community Resource
For seven years, Mae's Closet has been a proud program of Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers of GNH (IVCG), helping individuals and families throughout Greater New Haven access durable medical equipment when they needed it most.
Named in honor of a beloved community member and built through the dedication of compassionate volunteers, Mae's Closet has provided wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, shower chairs, canes, and other equipment to hundreds of neighbors seeking to maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life.
Now, this important service has entered a new chapter.
Mae's Closet Joins Wheel It Forward
Thanks to the vision of local volunteers and community leaders, a regional network of durable medical equipment lending libraries has grown through Wheel It Forward (WIF), a nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to gently used medical equipment throughout Connecticut.
Effective July 1, the Boards of Directors of both IVCG and Wheel It Forward officially transferred ownership and operation of Mae's Closet to Wheel It Forward, where it now serves as the fifth branch of the WIF Durable Medical Equipment Lending Library.
This transition ensures that the legacy of Mae's Closet will continue while providing community members with access to a larger network of equipment, expanded resources, and a sustainable model for meeting growing community needs.
Need Medical Equipment?
If you are looking to borrow or donate durable medical equipment, please visit Wheel It Forward:
📞 203-652-8600
Continued Appreciation
IVCG extends its deepest gratitude to the volunteers, donors, community partners, and families who supported Mae's Closet over the first seven years as this effort grew deep community roots. This collective endeavor transformed a simple idea into a vital community resource.
IVCG is proud of the Mae's Closet's legacy, and we all look forward to the continued impact now that it continues through the growing Wheel It Forward organization.
History: Who was Mae?
Mae was the aunt of Marilyn Bergen, a co-founder of Mae's Closet. At the age of 100, Mae received a red rollator walker from Charlie’s Closet in Guilford for the cost of a dollar! She was the last of the aunts when she died at 102, so she had a special place in the life and heart of our wonderful extended family. It was important for Marilyn to keep this legacy alive, thus the energy for Mae’s Closet was born!
Ann Levison joined as co-coordinator to honor her dear friend, Cecilie, and to help move this idea along. Five years later, IVCG adopted the neighborhood project and fostered the nonprofit program journey where it officially "relaunched" in May 2019.
Mae (and the aunts) would be pleased that the tradition of care continues! Thanks to all involved.