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!