Working Women's Clothing Closet
It takes 10 seconds to make a first impression!
"First impressions make a huge impact when you're job seeking. Women know how expensive it is to buy an outfit for interviewing. Many women Women's Resource Center helps are in financial crisis and simply can't buy a suit, shoes, jewelry, pantyhose, all that goes into creating a professional image. The Working Women's Clothes Closet addresses this need. Our goal is that every low-income woman who is seeking, or just starting, a new job has two or three complete outfits."
- Sharon Caldwell-Newton, Executive Director
Although women may have the skills they need for the jobs they seek, they may not be able to obtain appropriate clothing for the workplace. Lack of appropriate professional apparel is a barrier for women who seek to find and retain employment. As a result, WRC has focused new energy on developing and refurbishing it's Working Women's Clothes Closet for its own clients and for use by area agencies.
What is the Working Women's Clothes Closet (WWCC)?
WWCC is staffed by volunteers and provides a source of high quality clothing for low-income women who aspire to be employed outside the home and cannot afford to buy the clothing and accessories they need for job interviews or to reenter the workforce. WWCC offers an avenue for women to begin to build their work wardrobe.
Creating a Professional Image
Clients are treated to a 90 minute appointment with a trained clothes closet volunteer. Together they create three complete outfits, including jewelry, shoes and pantyhose.
How Do I Access the WWCC for myself?
Call the Women's Resource Center at (616)458-5443 or email us at info@grwrc.org for more information.
How Do I Access the WWCC Service for My Clients?
All women who access the WWCC are screened for eligibility by WRC staff or by other referring organizations. For more information, call the Women's Resource Center at (616)458-5443
How Can You Help?
You can help by donating professional clothes that you are no longer wearing. The Clothes Closet needs gently used:
- Suits
- Blouses
- Jackets
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Shoes
- Purses
- Pant Suits
- Dress Pants
- Dress Coats
- Accessories
- New Pantyhose
It is especially difficult to keep enough clothes in size 18 and above.
Clothes may be collected individually, or by organizing a Working Women's Clothes Closet drive at your company or organization.
Clothes that are accepted include: Suits, dresses, dress pants, blouses, shoes, dress coats, jackets, purses, accessories, skirts, pant suits and new nylons. All donations are tax deductible.
Bring your Donations to:
Women's Resource Center
Riverview Center
678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 180
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616.458.5443
To print a Clothing Donation Form click here
How Can You Volunteer in the Clothes Closet?
Please fill out the online Volunteer Form, or call WRC at 616.458.5443.
