I have been a member of the Board of SuitAbility for approximately 15 years and have never found a more committed group of women, nor a more devoted program director than Kathy Hayes. The services that this organization provides to women who just need a helping hand, and sometimes a dose of self esteem, range from providing mentoring and training, to providing clothing that will allow them to more comfortably and successfully seek and maintain jobs. All of these services are provided at no charge to the client. The one-on-one experiences with women as a volunteer teaching a class or helping them find job-appropriate clothing really allows for a personal connection that provides as much benefit to the volunteer as to the client.
Years ago I found that I had a plethera of business clothes that were ill fitting on me. I really wasn't interested in selling them so I followed up a lead I'd heard about and met with Kathy Hayes. She was awesome and made me feel important for donating. I mentioned that I was a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and she invited me to help with the make-up application at a fashion show. I had a blast and so did our models. The concept of Suitability, a non profit organization,is so important because women need to lift their self esteem when it has been stepped on. I've heard it said that when you look good, you feel good. Your self confidence goes up and you know YOU can do it...whatever "it" might be! I am so honored to be allowed to lend a small hand to this group. They are truly amazing. I also like the way they take care of their clients in a sophisticated and quiet manner. They don't look for accolades...they just get the job done as best they can listening to client clues to make it better every day!
Suitability helped me during a hard time when I had lost everything. They helped me by giving me great work attire and the experience was fabulous. The ladies are so loving and positively uplifting. Everything they give is professional and of good quality. They even took their service a step further and gave me internship there to further my skills. Suitability is an amazing nonprofit that has helped many women overcome situations by giving them a little push over the bumps in life.
I've served on the Board since its inception. As a board member I've volunteered to assist clients in choosing outfits. This has been a very rewarding experience for me when you see how appreciative they are to be able to go to a job interview with a new outfit. I truly feel that if someone feels good about themselves it gives them more confidence resulting in a better interview.
I remember that I had just found a job when I was referred to Suitability. I was very excited for my new job, but I did not have enough office clothes to wear and did not have the money to buy it either. When I went there, Kathy was so welcoming, she made me feel at home. She was also very patient helping me to choose clothes that I liked and looked good on me. I have been in this job for almost three years now, and every time that I wear any of the garments she helped me pick that day, I get tons of compliments. People cannot believe that I did not pay a cent for them. I thank Kathy, all the volunteers at Suitability, and all of the funders for keeping such a great organization running. Without their support, I probably would not feel as secured as I am today regarding my professional appearance.