SuitAbility

CONTACT:

PO Box 526, 379-381 Central Street
Lowell, MA 01853
(978) 934-8898
www.suitabilityma.org

Kathleen Hayes, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Being “dressed for success” isn’t easy when you’re an economically-challenged woman going on your first real job interview. SuitAbility, a Lowell-based outreach program, has responded by providing presentable clothing at no charge to women who are trying to get off welfare and unemployment and into the workforce to attain self-sufficiency.

After completing job-training programs, women have skills to perform a job, but often cannot afford the appropriate attire for the initial interview and subsequent job. Without proper professional clothing, and the self-confidence that comes with it, many of these women cannot secure employment.

SuitAbility has established Referral Partnerships with training programs to better identify clients in need of assistance for successful follow-up. All clients are referred and served by appointment. When women arrive at SuitAbility, which resembles a retail store, a volunteer helps outfit them with appropriate interview clothing, including accessories.

SuitAbility has served over 1,200 clients from 35 Massachusetts communities. The organization also runs a free "Steps to Success" workshop series on employment and/or life skills to low-income women, and a mentoring program. SuitAbility is expanding to establish a regional women’s center and is looking for donations of used computers that its clients can use to practice keyboard skills.

(2000: HUMAN SERVICES: Girls and Women: General)