Working Wardrobe adds services to help unemployed prepare for workplace

Greg Maynard
Posted 7/2/15

Working Wardrobe, next to Buttonwoods One Stop on Buttonwoods Avenue, is the result of a partnership between Westbay Community Action, a group of non-profit programs based in Warwick, and the Dorcas …

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Working Wardrobe adds services to help unemployed prepare for workplace

Posted

Working Wardrobe, next to Buttonwoods One Stop on Buttonwoods Avenue, is the result of a partnership between Westbay Community Action, a group of non-profit programs based in Warwick, and the Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island.

“Basically, we provide work attire clothing for those in need,” senior manager of Volunteer and Senior Nutrition Services of Westbay Community Action Tanisha Simpson said. For 15 years, Working Wardrobe has provided unemployed and underemployed individuals with professional attire for the workplace at no cost, but they are not the only one in Rhode Island giving this helping hand.

The Clothing Collaborative, a subsidy of Dorcas International, receives clothing donations that have an in excess value of $100,000 per year, have four locations other than Working Wardrobe that are helping others dress for success: The Providence Clothing Collaborative in Providence, Career Closet in East Providence, Attire for Hire in Westerly and Success Wear in Woonsocket.

Recently, the Warwick location, teamed up with Advance America, a national company that assists with financial services, to hold their first toiletry drive that aimed to provide soaps, lotions, toothpastes, shampoos and other hygienic products to those in need of them.

“We haven’t thought about toiletries previously, but they’re essential,” said Simpson.

Simpson mentioned that most of what people are willing to throw away, others could use, like complimentary bath products from hotels, for instance.

“They say one person’s trash is another’s treasure. I now start to think like that,” she said.

The moderate success of the toiletry drive instilled in Simpson a promising outlook for another toiletry drive in the near future. The event has also encouraged Working Wardrobe to expand their services. They offer toiletries in their location alongside their selection of clothing and accessories, and not only through charity drives.

Simpson is also optimistic about the possibility of partnering up with local salons that might be willing to provide discounted haircuts.

“It gives them a sense of confidence,” Simpson said on how the resources benefit the Kent County community. “Not only do they feel good, their hair looks great!”

Though Working Wardrobe’s primary function is to provide attire for low-income men and women entering or reentering the career field, some of their customers are exceptions to the standard. Some people who come in, Simpson said, have been recently released from prison and are in need of clothing.

In the event of the recent fire at the Westgate Condominium complex that left nearly 100 people homeless, Working Wardrobe organized a clothing drive that turned out so large that they had to relocate all of their donations next door to an administration building.

“We had victims choose what they needed. Any clothing left over that we couldn’t use we donated to agencies that found them useful,” Simpson said. “In many cases you have people who are just thankful for any clothing they can receive.”

Storage is an issue for Working Wardrobe.

According to Simpson, they receive most donations with the change in seasons. People who are cleaning out their closets and making way for new clothing will bring all of their unwanted attire.

Of the 20 to 30 customers who come into Working Wardrobe in a given week, the majority of them come in with referrals from participating Rhode Island agencies that enable them to choose from their selection. According to the Clothing Collaborative website, once employment is secured, clients are able to return to add to their “work wardrobe” during their first year of employment. For those without a referral, Simpson will, on most occasions, write one personally.

“I’m not one to turn somebody away,” she said.

Simpson and another Westbay employee, Patty Martucci, shared one of Working Wardrobe’s success stories. They recalled a woman doing volunteer work at New England Tech who, due to her attire, felt uncomfortable. She used the services that Working Wardrobe offers as a resource. With her new clothing, she developed a sense of confidence.

“They liked her so much that they hired her,” Martucci said.

Due to their limited storage capacity, Working Wardrobe has restrictions on the clothing and items they can accept. They can be contacted for any questions regarding donations at 737-6334. Working Wardrobe is located at 210 Buttonwoods Avenue. The Wardrobe is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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