Causes: Employment, Employment Preparation & Procurement, Job Training

Mission: Wardrobe for Opportunity (WFO) works in partnership with the community to assist low income individuals in their efforts to "Find a Job, Keep a Job, and Build a Career."

Results: Our 2011 program results are inspiring: -Served 1,985 low-income jobseekers in our Find a Job programs. Within 45 days of their interview wardrobe appointment, over 60% of jobseekers secured an interview and 43% secured employment. For those returning for working wardrobes, over 95% maintained employment after the first 90 days. -Partnered with 43 local job-training organizations to support their clients in getting what they need to ace their interviews. -Delivered 24 interview workshops to over 150 low-income jobseekers, giving them the confidence, networks, and experience they need to secure employment. -Offered seven Pathways sessions serving 75 low-income individuals from our Pathways program. -Six months after graduation from Pathways, 96% of graduates retained employment and the average annual salary increased 18%. As a measure of their excellence on the job, 39% of graduates earned a raise, 18% earned a promotion and 72% were given more responsibility. -In 2011, 42 unique individuals participated in our innovative Success Series program. Seventy-eight percent of graduates retained employment six months after graduation, the average salary increased by 11%, 22% earned a raise, 78% of participants made progress toward their goals and 78% reported an increase in job satisfaction and economic self-sufficiency. -Over 20% of Alumni participated in our Alumni Program, taking advantage of peer-to-peer support groups, financial literacy training, and affordable career coaching.

Target demographics: low-income individuals in their efforts to “Find a Job, Keep a Job, and Build a Career.”

Geographic areas served: Bay Area

Programs: Professional Image Program: WFO offers the professional clothing and interview coaching to enable low-income individuals to make that vital positive first impression. Interview Workshops: Interview Workshops provide our clients the opportunity to practice their interviewing and networking skills with up to 6 career professionals. Pathways: Through Pathways, a 6-week career advancement course, clients improve their ability to communicate, work as a team, manage conflict, and meet employer expectations. Success Series: Through Success Series, an intensive 9-month mentoring and coaching program, graduates exit the program with clear goals, strategies, and a new network of professionals to support them in their break-out career endeavors. Alumni Program and Financial Literacy: To support clients post-graduation we offer an Alumni Program that includes Peer Empowerment Groups, career coaching, networking events, career advancement workshops, and a financial literacy program.