Then...
In 1997, a group of religious and volunteer organizations, brought together by the Junior League and the office of New York State Assemblywoman, Sandra Galef, established The Welfare to Work Foundation to support the myriad needs of people seeking jobs and better lives. Career Closet, the flagship project of the Foundation, was created to procure and provide high quality interview and work-appropriate clothing as a vital step in the process.
...And Now
Career Closet is going strong, thanks to generous clothing and monetary donations from the community, and a committed group of volunteers who assist clients as wardrobe consultants.
Approximately 150 women, as referred by qualified social service agencies and training programs, are served each year. With the encouragement of their fellow program members and Career Closet volunteers, they browse through racks, try on clothing and select accessories. Career Closet clients leave with shopping bags of coordinated outfits, a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future.
The map below highlights the over 4,000 women we have proudly provided wardrobe services to since our beginning! Clients have come from 47 different towns in Westchester County, as well as towns in the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland counties. Additionally, we have supported 40 women from Connecticut.
Approximately 150 women, as referred by qualified social service agencies and training programs, are served each year. With the encouragement of their fellow program members and Career Closet volunteers, they browse through racks, try on clothing and select accessories. Career Closet clients leave with shopping bags of coordinated outfits, a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future.
The map below highlights the over 4,000 women we have proudly provided wardrobe services to since our beginning! Clients have come from 47 different towns in Westchester County, as well as towns in the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland counties. Additionally, we have supported 40 women from Connecticut.
Whom We Help
Career Closet serves women of all ages who are entering or reentering the workforce and need appropriate clothing to wear on interviews and for work. They are referred to Career Closet, on an appointment-only basis, by qualified agencies, training programs, and educational institutions throughout Westchester County. Career Closet represents a vital step on each woman’s journey.
For this reason, Career Closet does not provide free clothing to the community at large. We offer quality clothing for women who are taking the challenging step of moving their professional lives forward, while juggling many other of life's challenges. We acknowledge the difficulty of that journey, and seek, in concert with the referring agencies, to facilitate one small but important step along the way, providing a positive experience that is, in itself, rewarding.
For this reason, Career Closet does not provide free clothing to the community at large. We offer quality clothing for women who are taking the challenging step of moving their professional lives forward, while juggling many other of life's challenges. We acknowledge the difficulty of that journey, and seek, in concert with the referring agencies, to facilitate one small but important step along the way, providing a positive experience that is, in itself, rewarding.
Who We Are Testimonials
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Career Closet Board
Executive Director Leslie Allen Director of Career Closet Ruthanne Becker Executive Board Ted Buerger Cathy Lewis Dreilinger Elizabeth Mackey Stephanie Smart Kit Taylor Advisor Assemblywoman Sandy Galef |
The tears did not fall until I was home alone in my room with all the clothes spread out on my bed. I don’t know where I will go or what I will do. But please know how grateful I am to be given such a gift to begin this new chapter of my life, warm and well-dressed.” |