Career Closet of Santa Clara County

The core program of the Career Closet provides business clothing to disadvantaged women seeking to enter the workforce. Clothing and accessories are donated by local women. All clothing and services during the consultation are free of charge. Our volunteers are trained to "dress" or consult with the client, teaching her the basic components of appropriate business dressing. The volunteers discuss and assess the client's needs and employment direction. They choose an interview outfit, which consists of a suit, blouse, shoes, handbag, jewelry, scarf, coat & lingerie. Once the interview outfit is complete, we turn to the business casual side to choose about a week of clothing. Depending on inventory, the client, and how inventive she and the dresser are, she may receive over a week of mix and match pieces. Most importantly, the volunteer provides an understanding of what is or is not appropriate to wear in an interview and on the job. Many clients do not have work history, nor do they have role models. The volunteers help build the client's self-esteem by ensuring the outfits she takes not only fit her properly but compliment her. This sometimes includes considering religious preferences and requirements. We want our client's experience to be special and a time to learn and grow in a safe environment.