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25 Years. 80,000 Lives. The Journey Continues.
“The dignity of work – the foundation of Working Wardrobes – transforms at-risk men, women, young adults and veterans into productive members of society. All we do is provide the tools…and the inspiration.”
All photographs are actual clients served by Working Wardrobes.
The Life-changing Journey
To YOU!
After two and a half decades, my one overwhelming memory is
this community of ‘we’ that has surrounded our work. The people,
companies and organizations whose generous contributions have made
it possible for tens of thousands of clients to say, “I got the job!”
The joy that those four simple words bring to our clients who were
formerly hopeless is remarkable. And you have made that happen.
Twenty-five years is quite a milestone, and it is with great pride that
I dedicate this 25th year to you! Donors, volunteers and staff – together,
we’ve accomplished so much!
Yet much work remains.
The need is huge. The need is here. And the need is now. There
are countless people with incredible potential who lack self-esteem,
opportunity and training. I know that we will passionately support
thousands more worthy clients, providing them with “the power of
a paycheck” on their life-changing journeys to success.
Very best,
Jerri RosenFounder/Chief Executive Officer
The situation: The U.S. spends more than
one trillion dollars on welfare
– an increase of 32% in the
past several years. Orange
County, considered to be a
center of extreme affluence,
masks a troublesome reality:
more than 8,000 people
are homeless; 80,000 are
unemployed; and 250,000
are underemployed.
The solution: Working Wardrobes and our
Career Success Institute
“…much work remains.”
“Before” and “After” photo
A 25-year Journey
Beginning as a small, one-day career makeover event in 1990, Working Wardrobes has evolved into
a $3+ million-a-year operation supporting 5,000 clients annually.
In 25 years, we have changed the lives of 80,000 at-risk men, women, young adults and veterans
emerging from challenging life crises.
In a non-judgmental, empowering environment, our caring staff and dedicated volunteers offer an
unparalleled suite of professional career-readiness curriculum at no cost to clients. Our career-based
training – from career preparation and coaching to job placement and a great-looking wardrobe –
empowers individuals facing serious life challenges an opportunity to transform their lives in an
atmosphere of dignity and encouragement. We are changing the lives of our clients…daily.
“…changed the lives of 80,000…”
“…empowering clients to land a job…”
The Journey Starts with…a Path to Success
This is a sensitive journey. So we focus on our clients’ potential, not their pasts.
Our effective Career Success Institute workshops, led by highly trained coaches, empower clients to
prepare for and find meaningful employment. Graduates are honored at a Career Success Graduation
celebration where they are introduced to employers. Jobs are often offered on the spot!
The innovative outreach at Working Wardrobes does not stop there. With unlimited drop-in services,
computer courses, continuing career development workshops, phone and in-person counseling, our support
is ongoing.
Nationally certified job skills workshops provide in-depth skills in customer service and security, as well as
additional training in commercial driving, welding and solar installation. Education empowers our clients to
be uniquely prepared for their career path.
Abuse, Homelessness,
Incarceration
Carmen was a young college student studying
fashion design. Her abusive, drug-addicted
boyfriend led to her substance abuse,
homelessness, crime and eventually, jail time.
A judge ordered Carmen to undergo substance
abuse treatment, where she was referred to
Working Wardrobes. She learned everything from
professional etiquette to answering the dreaded
interview question, “Can you explain why you
checked ‘yes’ to a felony record?”
Through Working Wardrobes, Carmen met an
upscale retail representative, re-igniting her
passion for fashion. Carmen got the job.
She remains a successful salesperson, earning
her BA in Fashion Design. She said, “A few years
ago, I didn’t care if I lived or died. I am so grateful
for what Working Wardrobes has given me.”
Our Clients’ Journeys
“… I didn’t care if I lived or died …”
Addiction, Alcoholism
at Eight Years Old
California is home to almost two million veterans,
with under-24 males facing a staggering national
jobless rate of 29%.
Working Wardrobes’ VetNet program transitions
at-risk veterans to the civilian working world. Patrick
fell into addiction and alcoholism at eight years old.
Later, in the 82nd Airborne, his drug abuse escalated.
Upon return, he lived on the streets, grateful for jail
stints that ensured a decent meal and a bed.
A treatment program referred Patrick to Working
Wardrobes, where he addressed his difficult past
and gained confidence to launch a new life. At his
graduation, he donned a suit for the first time.
Patrick is now a project estimator, earning a
degree in Computer Technologies and became
the father he always wanted to be. He serves as
Client Advocate on Working Wardrobes’ Board
of Directors, declaring “because of Working
Wardrobes, I am proud of whom I am today.”
Our Clients’ Journeys
“Because of Working Wardrobes,
I’m proud of who I am today”
Bringing Out the Best in ClientsNearly 4,000 enthusiastic volunteers, plus generous corporate partners, contribute 38,000+ hours annually
and critical financial support to help return our clients to a self-sufficient life with purpose.
But there are so many more people who are in need of exactly these same services! We need to do more,
for more people.
Here are some tangible ways you can get involved:
Corporate Advocates promote social responsibility by donating corporate services, hiring our clients
and planning fundraisers. They inspire employee team-building and morale, as well as raise corporate
visibility while improving our community.
Donors provide the necessary funding for the client services we provide. They are the heart of our work and
the foundation for our growth.
Volunteers bring enormous talent as Board members, personal shoppers, fundraising support, fashion
board volunteers in our shops and so much more. They are the engine that drives our clients’ success.
“... a self-sufficient life with purpose…”
Why It WorksAs social entrepreneurs, we do the right thing for our clients, we do well for our community and we do good
for our planet.
Your generous donations of new and gently-loved clothing make The Hangers, our upscale resale boutiques,
and cost-conscious Working Wardrobes Outlet Shops treasure troves of great quality, terrific values and a
significant way to support clients in need.
Our shops provide nearly 40% of Working Wardrobes’ total funding needs. Because of this efficient,
entrepreneurial business model, 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to client services.
Corporations, organizations and thousands of individuals are championing social responsibility with us.
Together, we are empowered to create tens of thousands more client success stories.
“...90 cents of every dollar supports clients”
Our Next 25 Years
“…our work is just beginning.”
As much as we’ve accomplished in a quarter-century, we’ve just begun to meet the existing needs.
Many parents must work two and three low-paying jobs to keep a roof over their family’s heads and will
continue to be at risk. They need additional training to find jobs with dignity and a living wage.
Our remarkable journey has helped empower the lives 80,000 clients, their families and their neighborhoods.
Because we know the power of our programs, we can’t stop here.
We are putting our focus on bringing the power of a paycheck for many, many more people. We will
expand our training, skill set certifications and soft-skills training to create a more highly-qualified workforce.
We envision more jobs with dignity, including:
• A VetNet staffing agency, creating more jobs for veterans
• More corporate involvement by investing, hiring, volunteering and sharing corporate social
responsibility opportunities
• Partnering with major donors eager to invest in our proven business model
• Expanding our geographic reach beyond Southern California
Please join our growing community of ‘we’ – corporate partners, donors, shoppers and volunteers – as we
embark on an exciting and ambitious future!
Career Center • Donation Center
3030 Pullman Street, Suite A • Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • 714.210.2460 • workingwardrobes.org • [email protected]
Help Us Continue Our JourneyWe are eager to meet you and share our story.
Take the signature Inside Working Wardrobes tour and join us as we continue our journey.
Copywriting: Dianne Seeber / Design/Production: Bonnie Toth