Then...
In 1997, a coalition 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 individuals seeking employment and greater economic independence.Career Closet, the Foundation's flagship program, was created to provide high-quality interview and workplace attire to women entering or reentering the workforce. Recognizing that professional clothing can make a meaningful difference in building confidence and creating positive first impressions, Career Closet became an essential resource for women taking important steps toward self-sufficiency.
...And Now
Career Closet continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of our community through clothing and financial donations, as well as the dedication of our volunteers who serve as wardrobe consultants for our clients.
Each year, approximately 150 women—referred by qualified social service agencies, workforce development programs, and educational institutions—receive personalized wardrobe assistance. With the support and encouragement of Career Closet volunteers, clients browse professional clothing, try on outfits, and select coordinated accessories that reflect their personal style and workplace needs.
Clients leave with more than shopping bags filled with professional attire. They leave with renewed confidence, a sense of dignity, and hope as they prepare for job interviews, begin new careers, or reenter the workforce.
Since its founding, Career Closet has proudly provided wardrobe services to more than 4,000 women. Our clients have come from 47 communities throughout Westchester County, as well as from the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland Counties, and 40 women from Connecticut.
The map below illustrates the broad reach of Career Closet and the thousands of women whose journeys have been supported through the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Each year, approximately 150 women—referred by qualified social service agencies, workforce development programs, and educational institutions—receive personalized wardrobe assistance. With the support and encouragement of Career Closet volunteers, clients browse professional clothing, try on outfits, and select coordinated accessories that reflect their personal style and workplace needs.
Clients leave with more than shopping bags filled with professional attire. They leave with renewed confidence, a sense of dignity, and hope as they prepare for job interviews, begin new careers, or reenter the workforce.
Since its founding, Career Closet has proudly provided wardrobe services to more than 4,000 women. Our clients have come from 47 communities throughout Westchester County, as well as from the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland Counties, and 40 women from Connecticut.
The map below illustrates the broad reach of Career Closet and the thousands of women whose journeys have been supported through the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Whom We Help
Career Closet serves women of all ages who are entering or reentering the workforce and need professional clothing for job interviews and the workplace. Clients are referred to Career Closet, by appointment only, through qualified social service agencies, workforce training programs, and educational institutions throughout Westchester County.
Each client arrives at Career Closet at an important turning point in her life. Whether beginning a new career, returning to work after time away, or seeking greater financial independence, she is taking a significant step toward a brighter future.
For this reason, Career Closet does not distribute free clothing to the general public. Our mission is to provide high-quality professional attire to women who are actively pursuing employment and striving to improve their lives while often balancing family responsibilities and other personal challenges.
More than providing clothing, we strive to offer encouragement, dignity, and confidence. Together with our referring partners, we help make one important step in each woman's journey a positive and empowering experience; one that helps her walk into an interview or workplace feeling prepared, confident, and valued.
Each client arrives at Career Closet at an important turning point in her life. Whether beginning a new career, returning to work after time away, or seeking greater financial independence, she is taking a significant step toward a brighter future.
For this reason, Career Closet does not distribute free clothing to the general public. Our mission is to provide high-quality professional attire to women who are actively pursuing employment and striving to improve their lives while often balancing family responsibilities and other personal challenges.
More than providing clothing, we strive to offer encouragement, dignity, and confidence. Together with our referring partners, we help make one important step in each woman's journey a positive and empowering experience; one that helps her walk into an interview or workplace feeling prepared, confident, and valued.
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 Lena Matthison Stephanie Smart Kit Taylor - Agency Outreach Coordinator Advisors Assemblywoman, Sandy Galef Kathy Halas |
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