PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A nonprofit clothing boutique that helps people who can't afford clothes, is putting a focus this month on outfitting formerly incarcerated men. It's a step toward helping break down barriers to employment for men who might not have appropriate clothes for job interviews.
Since 1995, The Wardrobe has been helping people who are clothing insecure and referring them to employment resources. Clothing is available free of charge for clients of more than 100 partner organizations, who send folks to The Wardrobe when they need new threads. And the general public is welcome to buy clothes any time for the price on the tag.
The Wardrobe is teaming up with Operation Ten City, a faith-based group that works toward closing income disparities for Black and brown communities.
“They graciously provided us with all the things that we needed in order to do it,” Program Director Al Sherrock said. “They donated to us new menswear, which is something that we absolutely need.”
The goal of the partnership is to put 1,000 men in suits this year. Men returning from prison, who are in need of a fresh, new suit for the job hunt, can show up at The Wardrobe and walk away dressed for success.
Sherrock says the men are not at all shy about shopping.
“You would actually be surprised. Men love shopping when you let them. I can't say ‘all men,’ but many, many men,” Sherrock said. “I mean, they're looking at the designers. They're looking at the quality. They're looking at the labels. They love it, once we allow them to.”
And it’s free. Each person is entitled to up to six items of clothing, including additional accessories and health and grooming items as well.
In addition to their work this year with Ten City, the boutique has periodic Open Wardrobe events, targeting different populations, Sherrock said. The next one is one coming up on June 29.
“Reentry- and family justice-involved folks are a big focus of The Wardrobe. And so we have two events throughout the year that are specifically for justice-involved people,” he said.
They are also gearing up for their big VIP event and fundraiser on Thursday at Rivers Casino.
“Our theme this year is ‘Shine,’ and the biggest and most exciting part about it is we are celebrating outfitting our 100,000th person this year,” Sherrock said.
The Wardrobe has locations in Philadelphia and Lansdowne. The nonprofit works with over 165 community partners in the region, and donations are always welcome.
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