Clothing to Confidence” Program Exceeds Expectation

Volunteers Provide Career Basics Training
 
First impressions are lasting, and when a woman is dressed for success she exudes a certain savoir faire.  In other words, women of Union County in search of career building skills and professional business attire, benefitted in more ways than one from the Clothing Confidence program developed by United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC).  It gave them the confidence boost they needed. 

Partnering with UWGUC in this endeavor were: The Connection for Women & Families in Summit, NJ, Proceed Multicultural Family Success Center in Elizabeth, NJ, along with the Plainfield Family Success Center in Plainfield, NJ.  These agencies all sponsored a clothing drive and hosted several career-building workshops - from resume building to job search tactics, and mock interviews.  These workshops are designed to create a foundation for women seeking to jumpstart their careers, while elevating their job-readiness confidence and sense of professional style.

The aim of UWGUC in hosting this program is to strengthen families in an effort to provide economic stability for women. “By strengthening skills and knowledge in these areas, women participating in these workshops feel empowered and confident, as well as having access to stylish and business appropriate attire through the clothing,” explains James W. Horne, President/CEO, UWGUC. 

So far, early result show that the drive collected over 100 outfits, benefitting the women throughout Union County. Over 20 women attended the workshops administered by volunteers from Linde North America, Cintas, Eaton Corporation, and Union County College. There will be one more workshop to go on April 10th at Proceed Multicultural Family Success Center.

Oftentimes, woman returning to the workforce lack appropriate business attire, when it comes to seeking opportunities for a successful career path. Through the Clothing to Confidence drive, UWGUC solicits new or gently used women’s business attire; including suits, casual business attire, accessories, purses, medical scrubs, and shoes, to enable women to look the part of a successful woman with a career, and feel confident in doing so.

Special thank you to the Proceed Multicultural Family Success Center, The Connection for Women & Families & The Plainfield Family Success Center for hosting and partnering with the United Way for this special initiative.