Danielle Pagoulatos-Lieblein is working to bring dignity, comfort and human connection to nursing home residents across New York — one rack of clothing at a time.
The 55-year-old brought her nonprofit, Nursing Home Warrior, to Oceanside Care Center on Sunday, transforming a common room into a boutique-style shopping experience for residents who rarely have the opportunity to choose new clothing.
Pagoulatos-Lieblein, a part-time dietitian in the Bronx, organizes pop-up shops in nursing homes, where residents can browse racks of clothing and select items free of charge. The events are staffed by volunteers and designed to feel personal, welcoming and empowering.
“I just want them to feel seen, valued and loved,” she said.
At the Oceanside event, tables and racks were filled with sweaters, jackets, pants and other clothing. While much of the inventory is gently used, Pagoulatos-Lieblein carefully inspects each item to ensure that it is clean, appropriate and comfortable for residents.
Her efforts stem from a long career in nursing homes, which began when she was 17. Over the past 37 years, she said, she has observed a recurring issue: Many residents cycle through the same few outfits.
“A lot of them wear the same three pieces of clothing every week,” she said.
According to Pagoulatos-Lieblein, financial limitations are a major factor. Residents who rely on Medicaid typically receive only $50 to $60 per month for personal expenses — funds that must cover everything from toiletries to snacks.
“For many, there’s just nothing left to spend on clothing,” she said.
Limited access to clothing stores or online catalogs presents another challenge. Many residents do not have family members who visit regularly or help them with shopping, and others may lack access to technology or the ability to order items independently.
Through Nursing Home Warrior, Pagoulatos-Lieblein aims to address both the practical and emotional needs of the population. The pop-up shops offer not only clothing, but also social interaction between residents and volunteers.
She encourages the volunteers to spend time talking with residents, listening to their stories, sharing their own and helping them select items that make them feel confident and comfortable.
“Maybe what you have to say is nothing to you, but it’s everything to them,” Pagoulatos-Lieblein said.
The Hicksville-based nonprofit has grown steadily since it launched about two and a half years ago. What began as a small effort — distributing her son’s outgrown clothing to residents — has evolved into a broader initiative serving facilities across the region.
Her son, Jack Lieblein, remains a source of inspiration.
“He’s always telling me, ‘Mom, you have to do something. You’ll figure it out,’” she said.
In addition to hosting pop-up events, Pagoulatos-Lieblein assembles “cozy boxes” filled with 30 to 40 additional items of clothing, which are delivered to nursing homes for residents in need. The organization has distributed about 200 of the boxes to facilities throughout the tristate area and Pennsylvania.
Nursing Home Warriors relies on a combination of community donations and corporate support. Arthur Lih, founder of LifeVac — a company that produces portable suction devices used during choking emergencies — is a major donor. All funds raised by the organization are used to purchase more clothing.
Community members can also contribute through online Amazon “wish lists” or by donating gently used clothing, which is sorted and evaluated before being distributed.
Pagoulatos-Lieblein said her mission extends beyond clothing. She is also focused on education and advocacy, helping families better understand how to navigate the nursing home system.
Through her “Nursing Home Warrior Podcast” on Strong Island TV, she shares insights from her decades of experience, offering guidance on communication with staff, realistic expectations and how to address concerns effectively.
“I try to teach people what’s reasonable, and how to advocate for themselves and their loved ones the right way,” she explained.
Ultimately, Pagoulatos-Lieblein said, she hopes her work will inspire a broader cultural shift in how people view and support nursing home residents.
“These people had full lives — they worked, they raised families, they served their communities,” she said. “Now they’re in a place where they need us.”
For Pagoulatos-Lieblein, the solution begins with small, meaningful acts that remind residents that they have not been forgotten. “This is a population that just needs more love,” she said.
