Women getting back into the workforce can struggle to access the professional clothing they need to look the part. Whether you’re a young woman launching her career, a mid-career woman with a new dream or a mom getting back to work after spending valuable time with her babies, there are a few local organizations who are here to support you in looking your best. For those with a full wardrobe looking to unload, these are also wonderful places to donate.
OUR LADY OF MERCY COMMUNITY OUTREACH
According to Jeannie Colson, Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach’s marketing and communications manager, the right clothes can make a big difference. “Professional clothing can help women feel like they belong in professional environments. They help address socioeconomic disparities in the workplace, can significantly boost a woman’s self-esteem and confidence and can help make a positive impression during job interviews, increasing her chances of securing employment, she explained. “Providing professional clothing can alleviate the financial strain of purchasing work-appropriate attire, allowing women to allocate resources to other essential needs.”
Our Lady of Mercy offers clothing through their career services team, which aims to empower individuals toward sustainable employment by providing career coaching, job fairs, resumé building, interview skill development, personalized employment plans and employment application assistance. Participants must live in the organization’s service area of over 11 zip codes and earn below 250 percent of the poverty guideline per year. Their clothing closet is donation-based and allows participants to come in and shop for their needs. If someone working with the career services team has a specific clothing need, like scrubs or shoes, grant funding is available to meet those needs as well.
For more information, call 843-559-4109.
EAST COOPER COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Cathi Rider, East Cooper Community Outreach’s (ECCO) clothing and asset development program manager, agrees that what they offer local women is so much more than just clothes. “It can have a much larger impact on the way we see ourselves, our place in the world – and can affect our mental and physical wellbeing,” she said. “We believe ECCO’s clothing closet does just that for local neighbors in this community.” Before working with ECCO, Rider spent over 25 years in retail, learning to present clothing in an appealing way and serving as a personal stylist for her clients. Today, she uses her experience to help clients find clothing that brings them joy and increases their confidence.
Last year, ECCO served 970 local women, one of whom almost turned down an opportunity to decorate the White House for Christmas because she didn’t have anything special to wear for the occasion. “Ms. Johnson of Mount Pleasant found ECCO amidst the trauma of losing her son while he was deployed in the military,” shared Rider. “This past holiday season, she joined a local support group of military families to help in the coping and healing process of losing a loved one. The support group was given an incredible opportunity to volunteer and decorate the White House for the holiday season. However, Ms. Johnson struggled to say yes, because she felt self-conscious about her wardrobe.”
After spending an afternoon at ECCO’s clothing closet, Ms. Johnson had discovered the confidence to join her group at the White House. “When she returned from D.C., she shared that because of ECCO, she felt confident and felt like she belonged,” added Rider.
Services at ECCO are available to those who live or work East of the Cooper River, who are qualified by their income level. After becoming a client of ECCO, you can simply schedule an appointment with their Clothing Closet.
For more information, visit ECCOCharleston.org or call 843-849-9220.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Dress for Success Charleston County is a local organization founded by Margaret Jefferson that focuses solely on uplifting women. “By providing professional attire, we are not just offering a temporary solution,” Jefferson stated, “we are facilitating long-term empowerment and success for women.” Dress for Success offers women free professional attire, career development services and a support network that goes beyond immediate needs.
While Jefferson and her team are all volunteers, their efforts are truly a labor of love. “Being a part of their journey and celebrating success, big or small, is a privilege and a constant source of motivation,” reflected Jefferson. “We are proud that we have two former clients who are now business owners. What a huge accomplishment. We are extremely proud of them.”
Looking ahead, Jefferson is working hard on bringing a new series of programs to women in Charleston, including courses on self-care, career development and training, and financial literacy. When women are empowered to pursue their dreams, build valuable skills and do meaningful work in the community, anything is possible.
Readers who are interested in donating funds or gently used professional clothing can reach out to learn more about ways to support the impactful organizations that are empowering women in Charleston.
For more information, visit CharlestonCounty.DressForSuccess.org or call 843-813-3362.
By Heather Rose Artushin
