815 Military Wives Shop for Ball Gowns in 6 Short Hours!!!

Over the past 20 years, I’ve talked with thousands of volunteers who have been moved and inspired at many of our events. But I don’t think I’ve ever heard it put quite as eloquently as Cynthia Corey did on the bus ride home from Camp Pendleton Saturday, September 26.
‘Blissfully exhausted’ is the term Cynthia came up with!

The day started at 6:00 am with a bus trip from south county to Camp Pendleton. Our Event director Linda Knoth had patriotic name tags for all 24 volunteers, water and snacks to keep our energy high.

We were greeted at Camp Pendleton by Suzanne Tabrum, who is the Director of Events and Community Relations for the YMCA on base. With a few hardy volunteers, Suzanne arranged over 2,500 ball gowns, most donated by Working Wardrobes after our prom event, 800 sets of ‘bling’ from the very generous Cookie Lee Jewelry company and everything was ready to go.

With military precision, the women were welcomed in groups of 50 from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. They had 20 minutes to shop, try on dresses and check out!! Sound impossible? Yes, but we saw it happen hundreds and hundreds of times.

The Working Wardrobes’ volunteers were on hand to greet the Marine wives, to help them shop, to zip up gowns, to ooh and aah when the perfect gown was found and to provide some tips on the right shoes and jewelry. It was non-stop shopping to the women were ready for the Marine Ball this November!

‘Blissfully exhausted!’

I think every volunteer felt that way and also proud to be part of an effort that in some small way helps our military families.

For Working Wardrobes, we consider in an honor to donate the prom and party dresses and we will continue to do this as long as we host the prom event.

How can you help?

Donated excellent quality prom and party gowns, dressy shoes and purses and costume jewelry. Larger sizes are VERY important to all of us.

Please check out our website for more info at: http://www.workingwardrobes.org/ and thanks for your support!

My Chance Encounter With A Success Story

Friday morning, I'm at Fullerton College. It's an informational fair on non-profits and community involvement. I'm doing the usual, talking, recruiting, explaining about Working Wardrobes, are you familiar with who we are and what we do?

There's a pause to the influx of students when a woman working one of the other booths walks up to me.

"Hi! Are you familiar with Working Wardrobes?" I ask her.

"Yes, I am. Actually, I went through Working Wardrobes!"

She was referred to us through a domestic violence program awhile back. She was ready to get back to work, but didn't think she had the means: "I thought: I don't have anything to wear! How am I going to find a job?? And then they told me about Working Wardrobes."

Her experience, she explained, was exceptional. She was partnered with a wonderful volunteer Personal Shopper who was kind and friendly, and helped her find the perfect working wardrobe. When she couldn't find anything in her shoe size (she's a size 2), a volunteer went online, found some for her, and had them shipped directly to her house.

It was that wardrobe she wore to her interview at the organization she now works!

"I heard you explaining about your organization and I thought, wait, I know them! They helped me! I just had to come over and let you know that yes, you do make a difference-- the program works. I mean, look at me. I'm a Success Story!"

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Our Men's Day of Self-Esteem is Sunday, October 25th, and we need volunteers to help someone else on their way to becoming a Success story. Over 100 men will be served, and two former clients will share their heartwarming stories. Volunteer registration forms are available online on our website or by clicking here.

Tempt Me, Baby.

Tomorrow's the last Thursday of the month-- which means it's shopping time.

Temptation Thursday: 50% Off Storewide in all three Hanger Boutiques

Here's some of the great things you'll be able to buy-- at half price-- this Thursday:

1. Red top, cropped sleeve jean jacket

2. Anne Klein shoes, size 7.5

3. Coach shoes, size 8

4. White Charlotte Russe jacket, black top (with an awesome bow!)

5. Armani suit, size 5

6. Marc Jacobs shoes, size 9.5

7. Prada shoes, size 8.5

8. Black and silver satin top, comfy fit jeans

Most of the tops modeled here are samples, direct from the designer, one of a kind and mad crazy cute. Be sure to stock up on jean items (I'm eyeing that jacket) for Blue Jeans and the Blues.

Happy Shopping, friends!

(Stay tuned: updates on client services later this week!)

I know you love your TiVo, but it's time to get out there and shake things up.

Working Wardrobes Event Calendar

September 21st - October 4th

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This hump day, come out for a drink, compliments of Kimera Restaurant and Lounge in Irvine (click here for directions). Bring a donation (clothing, shoes, belts, or accessories) for a chance to win an imac.

So after a long day in the office/warehouse/shopping mall, bring out the friends and coworkers and relax-- several of us will be there, so it is a guaranteed good time.

You were given something free, so now it's time to give back-- at our next Ron Simon Success Event. This time, we have a bigger group: 30 teens will be coming in for a business etiquette workshop, professional wardrobe, and makeover.

You can read my blog entry about our last Ron Simon event-- it is a really positive and life-affirming experience to be apart of. If you don't think you make a difference, just stick around for the fashion show at the end. You'll see a group of quiet, self-conscious kids in the beginning, but by the end these young men and women are full of confidence and excitement.

Contact: Megan, VP of Client Services, meganh@workingwardrobes.org

We've been talking about this for a long time, so you should've seen it coming-- our huge fundraising event Blue Jeans and the Blues is less than two weeks away. Renowned blues singer Pamela G, a barbeque dinner, gaming tables, dancing, and a live auction... you haven't bought your tickets yet!? The auction list is still in the works, but perhaps a weekend getaway, wine tasting, or Ducks' game suite will perk your interest...

We're also looking for volunteers (contact Mary Lou, marylout@workingwardrobes.org for more info), who will be sporting sexy fedoras. Oo lala.

The more the merrier, so bust out your denim, buy your tickets and I'll see you there!

"Just Wait til I Get My Dentures!"

Hello lovelies. I've missed you.

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This is the only decent picture I have. However, there was a professional photographer, a cable television station, and at least two amateur photographers, so when those videos and images come, so will a full-featured story. Until then, here's the highlights from this past Sunday's South Bay Day of Self-Esteem to tide you over:

• Designing Women South Bay
• Hawthorne Cable TV
• Jerri in a miniskirt
• 35 volunteers
• 12 overjoyed, prepared, and gorgeous ladies
• "Just wait til I get my dentures!"

 Stay tuned for more.

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Status check: how are we doing?

I'd love to hear what you think of our blog-- What don't you like? What would you like to know about Working Wardrobes that I haven't covered in the blog? Do you read everytime we post? Is the only reason we have any followers because of a certain threatening staff member?

Don't be afraid to leave a comment or two-- I can take it, I promise, and I thrive on the feedback.

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Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Tell Us How You REALLY Feel

It may have been a holiday weekend, but just like life, we don't take a break.

We have just as many clients coming in this week as any other, and thanks to our new comment cards (ooOOoo!), we get to hear directly from clients about their experiences.

Truth be told, it's almost boring-- everyone just says the same things over and over.

"It was a wonderful experience" ... "Keep up the excellent work" ... "I loved my time here" ... "I liked that the girls were ready to help me" ... "Good eyes for what looks good on men" ... "Thank you for being here!"

Yawn.

Of course, there will always be those left unsatisfied...

"No way to improve" "Thank you so much for all your help!"

Okay, so I'm wrong this once. Whatever so what.

I asked Rose, our fantastic Caeer Center Cordinator, if she was tracking our ratings. No, she says, everyone pretty much rates us the same:

 Ugh.

In all seriousness, we have the best volunteers and interns you could ask for. So many of them were mentioned by name by clients who wanted to thank them personally for the phenomenal experience. We couldn't do it without you all supporting us.

"I think it's really amazing that your organization provides the necessary apparel for the community. God bless, and thank you!"

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P.S. Check out any one of the three Hanger Boutiques, as they're having a sale on all blue jeans ($15!!) in support of our Blue Jeans and the Blues on October 4th. The date is fast approaching, so buy your tickets! Pamela G, BBQ dinner, dancing, gaming, and more--all for only $75 a couple!

And This One's For You

The week is ending: time to dole out updates and props.

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Update: Toiletries
 
We need them. Shampoo. Toothpaste. Anything. Especially for the men-- they tend to look at us funny when we give them deodorant that smells like violets and french vanilla. Please help.

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Update: Hannah Bean

... is tonight. If you want to know what it's about, read my blog from last week about it. In brief: donations, discounts, local businesses, music, appetizers, and margaritas. Whoo!

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Props: Go for a Drive (A clothing drive, that is)
 
Teva hosted a week-long clothing drive on our behalf. Whoo! This stuff will come in handy for our upcoming Women's Day of Self-Esteem in September and Men's Day of Self-Esteem in October. (By the way, we need volunteers for that. Just, you know, throwing it out there.)

Thanks to Leslie Cope and Jenna Hall for organizing and doing such an outstanding job!
 
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Props: Shop Like It's Half Off. Oh wait...
 
We had another amazing Temptation Thursday last week at The Hanger Boutiques.

We had a great group of interns and volunteers who posed for and posted great photos so all you shopaholics knew exactly what great stuff would be half-priced at this once a month sale. They'll be doing it again next month, so be sure to become a fan.
 

Thanks to the managers and volunteers at the shops, as well as everyone who went shopping! (Speaking for myself, thanks to Temptation Thursday for selling BCBG shoes for $5 and a vintage Coach for $15. Score!)
 
Be sure to share your great finds on facebook. Be friendly. Be a community. Share your shopping secrets. Do you hear me?! Stop being selfish and share the wealth!

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Props: Interns Rock

Last (but far from least), our interns are AWESOME. The best we've ever had. Ever. They're irreplaceable. Without them, we would be lost, like a feather in the wind. A dingy in a raging storm. Love. (What? An intern is writing this blog??)

Our intern Eleen received this aMAZEing review from a client (emphasis added). Think of it as a thumbs up on facebook (and no, this isn't a shameless plug for you to become a fan):

I just got back from the most incredible experience which I would like to share! I lost my job last October and have since gone back to school, in which I earned my high school diploma as well as my accredidation in medical billing and coding. I will soon begin my new career in that field, but I had no clothes to properly present myself, as well as lack of funds to obtain them.

In my journey, I was referred to your orginazation, where I was treated with dignity and respect. EVERYONE there was so nice and helpful, and more than willing to give that extra encouraging word. I am not sure what her name was, but she had a wonderful smile. She was soft spoken, but VERY warm hearted, with a very calming persona... I can't begin to tell you how appreciative I am of this experience!

I look forward to a time in the near future when I can help!

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Another intern, Ching-Yun, shared a great story of a client who went an entire year without a single interview... and then had two in one week!

And on that positive note, I'm out of here!

A Whole Lotta Inspiration - words from our Founder / CEO

by Jerri Rosen
(Photos compliments of WW interns)

We often hear from our volunteers and donors that they are inspired by seeing the transformation that happens in the lives of our clients. The confidence that our workshops and trainings give them on the inside. The respect and dignity that comes from wearing a great suit on the outside.

Certainly before and after photos tell an enormous story.

But, for me the words of our clients are even more powerful. The words tell the inside story of the path our clients have traveled and give us a chance to see how that journey has changed their lives for good.

When we held a press conference to launch the 2009 Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive on September 1, I joined a number of guests and hard working interns in listening to the words of Raymond Ramos. Raymond is one of the clients we served through the Department of Juvenile Justice program we collaborated on with Phoenix House Orange County.

Raymond spoke eloquently and poignantly of his past; of never having one day where he felt rested; of the profound changes he has made in his life; of changes that he finds it difficult to accept even today. But accept them he does because Raymond is a new man, a humble man who continues to give back to young teens who are now incarcerated in the same place he was a few years ago.

And when Raymond spoke about the power of a suit to heal him and to make him feel connected to the people in his company (he’s now an account manager with an equipment service company), there was not a person in the room who didn’t experience the emotion of his words. Throat lumps, tears, goose bumps, pride in our hearts – we all felt it.

The event, held at the law offices of Palmieri, Tyler, Wiener, Wilhelm & Waldron LLP in Irvine, included a number of special guests:

• Mr. Sukee Kang, Mayor of Irvine
• Mr. Guy Corrozzo, Mayor of Fountain Valley
• Mr. Norm Rodich, partner Palmieri Tyler and founder of Law Suits
• Mr. Michael Green, founding partner Palmieri Tyler
• Mr. Toby Sherman, District Manager, Men’s Wearhouse
• Mr. Raymond Ramos, Working Wardrobes Success Story

Interns Ching Yun, Katrina, Kellisa, Bay and Nikki handled every detail of the event and were outstanding hosts. You can see from the photo below that this is a group of talented interns who take their assignments seriously. I’m so proud of the work each of our interns is doing for us. And very proud that we do have the power to transform lives . . . . every day!

Teens and Tears: A Lifechanging Experience

This past Saturday, twenty exceptional high school scholars from The Ronald Simon Family Foundation came to Working Wardrobes. They learned dining etiquette and financial literacy, had their hair cut and make-up done, and received professional suits to wear to their success banquet next month.

We had over 20 amazing volunteers-- that's one for each and every client. Major props to the Huntington Beach Marinello School of Beauty and the Saddleback Valley Chapter of the National Charity League, as well as everyone else who helped make this a huge success (you know who you are).

I could talk and talk about it (oh, you have no idea how I could talk), but words pale in comparison to being there. Here's a taste of what it was like:

I'm trying to formulate the words that would best express my complete gratitude for the services you provided for our San Diego Simon Scholars on Saturday. I was overwhelmed by the compassion each of your volunteers exuded toward each student. I saw lives changed in one day. There are some really great kids inside some of those broken down shells, and I watched, in tears, as each scholar walked with a new level of confidence and self-esteem during the fashion show at the end of the day.

Thank you again for your dedication to our Foundation. It was a life changing experience for me as well.

~ Joanna [Program Coordinator for The Ronald Simon Family Foundation]

Where I'll Be Next Friday Night

Delicious appetizers. Pineapple margaritas. Designer clothes. 15% off. I don't need to say anymore-- I can already hear people pulling out their planners and calling their friends.

Presenting First Fridays: on the first friday of the month, Hannah Bean in Santa Ana will be mixing margaritas, playing music, and serving delicious appetizers for FREE-- some amazing Food Network creation, I've been informed. (Because who couldn't spend all day long perusing the wonders that channel has to offer.)

Here's the really amazing part (well, after the free margaritas of course): they will be collecting clothing and accessories for us, and anyone who donates gets 15% off. While I know everyone will donate because they want to help adults in crises... the discount doesn't hurt.

Plus, this is a local business. Hannah Bean is a brand spankin' new boutique across from the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana. The shop is gorgeous, smells like heaven, and carries designers like William Rast Denim, Dittos, BCBG, Rebecca Taylor, Nanette Lepore, and tons more.

The first First Friday is September 4th from 6-9 pm. If you're on Facebook, become a fan and check out the page they set up for this event. Shopping, music, food, drink--sounds like a Friday night to me.

The breakdown: support Working Wardrobes, support our clients, support local businesses, and get free food and drink--and 15% off. (Honestly, you're not going to give up shopping, so you may as well take the 15% off and get 15% further with your money.)

As for me, you had me at "pineapple margaritas."

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Working Wardrobes Back in Jail: Part 4

Okay, not really. Yesterday morning was our 4th class at the Musick jail facility in Irvine. Our focus was on better serving through better understanding. That's something author, speaker, and consultant Stephen Covey could tell us a thing or two about:

First seek to understand and then to be understood.

Bet that quote would've been useful before jumping to conclusions about the title of this post, huh?

We are down to six women, as four have been released since beginning the program. However, they are amazing-- they're learning almost as much from each other as they are from us.

We had a great discussion on our experiences in the crazy world of customer service. What made a good experience good? For all of us, it was when someone went out of their way to do something special, like adding something extra or making an exception.

Many of our participants have worked retail and customer service jobs before, so we could turn the discussion to how they provided good customer service, and it was the same: someone took a second to do a little something extra and made a lasting memory.

One of our participants has never had a job before, and she just loves feeling like she is getting the inside scoop on all of this. (I wish I had this kind of insight before my first customer service job--it would have saved me from heaps of embarrassing moments.)

We also focused on how to provide for customers with special needs, both visible and hidden. (My spidey-sense tells me I can help you by...)

All joking aside, we're very excited about how this program is going-- we are down to just two more weeks! All the participants have been invited to come to the Center to take the assessment exam after they are released so they can receive their certification from the National Retail Federation. This is great, and will really give them an edge when it is time for them to rejoin the community. I'm sure they'll be ready for whatever comes next!