Career Wardrobe Responds to Growing Need

Amid Economic Crisis, Non Profit for Women Reentering
The Workforce Sees Dramatic Increase in Clients

With the economic crisis forcing more layoffs throughout the Philadelphia region, The Career Wardrobe saw a 53% increase in overall clientele in 2008, and 93% increase in women referred for professional clothing.

Women helped by The Career Wardrobe are typically moving into entry level jobs in the retail, customer service and medical fields, and in a tough economy entry level positions are among the first to be cut.

"Forty percent of the women we help are working entry level or minimum wage jobs and when these workers are laid off, they are more likely to have to go back onto public assistance for things like food stamps and don't have a savings cushion for tough times," says Executive Director Sheri K. Cole.  "The Career Wardrobe is a vital part of the safety net for women in transition.  We provide them with not only free clothing, but also professional development seminars to help them polish their skills."

In order to respond to the growing need in the community, The Career Wardrobe has modified its programs so women who are recently laid off can also access their services. 

The Wardrobe's new Individual Membership Program will allow women who had previously been working to pay a $50 annual fee and receive the same high-quality services as those women who are referred through job training programs:

• 1 interview outfit and a week's worth of professional clothing upon employment

• Expert resume review from human resources professionals

• Access to The Wardrobe's monthly Gateway to Success personal and professional development seminars

• Discounts at the organization's monthly inventory sales (1st Thursday of every month from 4-7pm) for an entire year

For more information on the Individual Membership Program, please call 215-568-6693.

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