Our Mission

The Career Wardrobe is a nonprofit organization that serves thousands of women in transition by providing free professional clothing and educational opportunities in the Philadelphia region. Our services empower women by inspiring the confidence necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

Since 1995, The Career Wardrobe has assisted over 40,000 women.

HISTORY

The Career Wardrobe was created in 1995 by a group of working women to address the marketability of economically disadvantaged women in Southeastern Pennsylvania who were striving to achieve economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. Working in partnership with over 100 job training programs, domestic violence shelters and other social service agencies throughout the Delaware Valley, The Career Wardrobe provides free interview-appropriate clothing and support services to women who are transitioning from welfare to work or beginning a life free from domestic violence.

The Career Wardrobe serves women from throughout the Delaware Valley (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Lancaster Counties in PA).

NUMBER OF WOMEN SERVED

The Career Wardrobe has outfitted over 40,000 women since our first client walked through the door in December 1995. Currently, the Wardrobe serves an average of 400 women each month. Over 70% of the organization's clients report having obtained employment thanks in large part to the services provided by The Career Wardrobe.

PROGRAMMING INITIATIVES

The Career Wardrobe is continually striving to expanding our services in order to provide the job readiness support our clients need. Current program initiatives include:

Beauty Basics: A program to provide new cosmetics and skin care products for women entering the workforce. Along with sample products, women receive a "Work Your Image" tip sheet with instructions on personal hygiene issues, provided by The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association through a partnership with The Women's Alliance.

Gateway to Success Seminar Series: Career Wardrobe volunteers with expertise in fashion, financial management, employment law and human resources present monthly seminars on personal and professional development. Since 2003, over 2,500 women have participated in The Wardrobe's educational seminars. For information on how you can volunteer or for a schedule of upcoming seminars, please email Carrie Hanson at chanson@careerwardrobe.org.

The Career Wardrobe is proud to be a founding member of:

(c) 2002 - 06, The Career Wardrobe
The official registration and financial information of The Career Wardrobe may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.