Each year the President of the International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) selects a local charity to support as a part of its annual Workforce Development Conference. For the 104th conference to be held in Costa Mesa, California on June 18-21, IAWP President, Terri Pasternik selected Working Wardrobes of Irvine, California stating that, ” It is fitting that those of us in workforce development will be donating to an entity that so closely relates to what we do.”
Working Wardrobes is a nonprofit organization that empowers men, women, veterans and young adults overcoming difficult challenges to confidently enter the workforce and achieve success. Working Wardrobes helps clients become workforce ready by participating in career training, job placement assistance and wardrobe services, in an environment of dignity and respect.
They also facilitate job readiness workshops year-round and “Career Success Graduation” events, which include motivational seminars, grooming services, wardrobe selection and career fairs that are provided to adults in residential shelters/programs throughout Orange County. In addition, their Career Center staff work daily with clients on resumes, career success assessments, workshops, skills training and professional wardrobes.
Each year, Working Wardrobes serves over 4,000 clients from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds such as veterans, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, transitional homelessness and human trafficking. Working Wardrobes is also an advocate of social enterprise, operating The Hanger resale boutiques in Tustin and Laguna Niguel, three Outlet shops in Laguna Hills, Huntington Beach, and Garden Grove, and two thrift shops in Costa Mesa and Anaheim.
From now until the conference in June the IAWP will be collecting clothing and accessory items for donation.
Working Wardrobes reports that their most needed clothing and accessory items include:
- Men’s Suits Sizes 36-40 & 48+
- Men’s Dress Shirts Sizes 14-15 1/2 & 18+
- Men’s Belts
- Men’s Black Dress Shoes
- Women’s Professional Clothing Sizes 0-4 & 16+
- Women’s Purses
- Women’s Shoes
The 104th Annual Workforce Development Conference will be held on June 18-21 in Costa Mesa, California.