For many women who face a financial struggle day after day, getting a job interview is just a small part of the battle. Most of us can merely take a few steps to our closets and pull out something presentable for an interview, or at worst purchase a new outfit at a mall or discount store.
But what if making a new purchase of any kind was out of the question? This is the reality that many women are now facing. It is only recently that a few organizations have stepped up and provided much needed support to these women.
One Chicago based organization started in 1991, called Bottomless Closet, was the first to offer job ready clothing along with other work force development services to women in need. According to their website, most of their clients are single heads of households who are forced to choose between buying food for their children and purchasing clothing for a job interview. Any mother would know how simple yet incredible frustrating that choice must be to make.
For women who do not live in Chicago, Bottomless Closet became a founding member of a national organization of independent community-based “sister organizations” called The Women’s Alliance. TWA provides career skills training as well as professional attire to women in need all over the country.
According to TWA’s website, they help more than 50,000 women and families with their services each year. Though their focus is on women, they also have programs that provide clothing for men, teens, and children. The reality of the situation becomes clear after reading this phrase from their website urging people to donate, “Someone’s Future Is Hanging in Your Closet”.
To find out more about this organization, you can visit their website at http://www.thewomensalliance.org.
What do you think of the services offered by Bottomless Closet and The Women’s Alliance?
Are you aware of these services being provided in your neighborhood?
I am hearing this for the first time.. This is a very good idea of helping people & recycling. Simple thoughtful idea like this can change the lives of others....
I have never heard of anything like this and I think it is wonderful. If more people helped others, the world would be a much better place.
I believe these types of programs are important. The old saying goes "give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day; teach a man to fish, he'll eat for life". Sometimes it's the smallest things that can make a big difference.
I love that organizations like TWA and Bottomless Closet are available to women who may not have the means of purchasing career clothes to get them [back] into the workforce.
I would also like to point out that Dress Barn is a great supporter of Dressed for Success. The company donates all their last season clothing and host collection events a few times a year.
It feels great to support organizations that support women and causes that are important to us.
We have a place in Kentucky like this. A friend was able to get everything she needed to start a new job, now after 2 years she has climbed the ladder, and head of a large Department.Now she gives back to Dress For Sucess. They not only helped her with clothes, support as well.
I think this is amazing. I always try to donate clothing items that I don't need. It is great that organizations are reaching out to help people.
I think this is a wonderful idea. Four years ago I found myself needing to get a job and only had one outfit that I wore to all the interviews. I'm glad to learn about them today and to help spread the word.
I think this is an awesome idea. I like dani716 have faced the issue of interviewing, but having one suit. This is a great program that I had no idea about.
This seems like a great idea, I can defintatley relate as I have been interviewing a lot. I only have 1 suit and if I have to go back for a 2nd interview I'm stuck trying to piece clothes together.
This a great organization! I make a trip into Chicago twice a year to donate clothing that we collect within our church and neighborhood!! We could sell them in a rummage sale but it really feel's good to drop the items off. The organization is always so appreciative.
what a wonderful idea, I need to find one of these organizations in NJ to donate to
I've never heard of The Women's Alliance, but I have donated to two similar programs, Dress for Success and Suited for Change. Both have fabulous programs for providing needy women with career clothing.
I really think its great that there are organizations out there like this.
I have heard of places like this b-4 I think It is wonderful!