Do you know about Suited For Success? This wonderful program provides professional clothing and career development services to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Clients are referred by a number of social service agencies and job readiness programs. They range in age from 18 to 65 and many are entering the job market for the very first time. 95% are single mothers. Many have been abused and many come from area shelters. The program also serves women coming out of the criminal justice system. Almost all of their clients report incomes of less than $10,000. Suited For Success is the only organization in central Oklahoma that provides these services and the services are available to clients at no charge.
How do they do it? On the 3rd Friday of each month from 9:00am until 4:00pm, area women donate new and gently worn clothing and accessories. All items arrive on hangers, clean and pressed because many clients go directly from Suited for Success to job interviews. You can also support the program by making a financial donation. Founded in 1997, Suited for Success is located at 4141 Highline Blvd in Oklahoma City. Susan Walton is founder and director of the nonprofit. Read more about Suited for Success HERE.
Susan Walton is a really remarkable woman. She started planning Suited for Success in the early 1990s but her plans were delayed when she was nearly killed in the Murrah Building bombing in April of 1995. You can read about Susan HERE and also HERE.
Jean--Thanks for reminding us about this wonderful program. So early in the day and I have already learned my "one thing"! Normally I donate through SBC or another organized drive. So, I find myself storing my gently worns for months waiting for someone to contact me on behalf of SFS. Now I know; 3rd Friday of each month! As a young, single mom struggling to present a positive image, I was blessed to have friends who would share their gently worns, plus my BFF actually enjoyed sewing me up an outfit or two when I really needed to "represent"! Thank goodness our young women can rely on Suited For Success and the many, many volunteers and supporters that have sustained this wonderful organization.
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