Autumn is the champion of the seasons. I’ve said it before and I don’t mind saying it a six to seven hundred more times, because between back to school, decorative gourd, and Oscar season, with leaves changing and great bands going on tour, toes going back into hiding and stews simmering back to life, everyone seems to fall back to earth with a renewed vigor and thoughtfulness lent them by a spirited and sunny summer. Long live autumn. Autumn forever.
Zealous Good has had a particularly great start to the season, and we’ve got yet another new member nonprofit to introduce! Hold onto your cardigans (or donate them!) and get ready to give to Bridge to Success.
Bridge to Success enhances employment opportunities for at-risk, low-income, no-income men, women, and young adults by providing high-end interview and workplace appropriate clothing, coupled with coaching, to build self-confidence through appearance, interview preparation and sense of belonging at the workplace.
Located in Chicago’s South Loop area, Bridge to Success is the only city-wide appearance and interview preparation program serving men, women and young adults in the Chicago area. Housed in a boutique like street level space, Bridge to Success offers a full-service shopping experience to each client.
With all of the recent and forthcoming moves, the changing wardrobes, and the new jobs, piles of clothes are getting shoved into hefty bags across the city and likely forgotten or worse, left in the garbage. Your old sweater vests and trousers, blazers and button-ups could make a huge difference in the job prospects of Chicagoans trying to support themselves. Before you toss aside yet another pair of pinstripes, consider this:
Cook County, Illinois has the second-highest number of millionaire households and the second-highest number of poor household of any county in the nation.
Bridge to Success believes that each of its clients already has the tools to get the job, but lack the appropriate clothing for their job search and the income to purchase it. B2S doesn’t just a give a participant clothing, it helps them with that essential accessory that goes with every outfit: self-confidence.
The increased confidence that comes from securing and maintaining employment not only helps the individual, but also strengthens their family and the community.
More than 60% of all employment rejections are based on personal presentation, which includes dress and grooming. At the initial interview, how you look is every bit as important as how well you interview and the skills you present. Companies are looking for the full package.
The importance of proper attire cannot be over emphasized. The first interview determines which candidates move to the second round of interviewing. To make it to the “big show” you have to make it past the audition.
In addition to professional clothing (with a particular need for plus size and big and tall sizes), Bridge to Success welcomes your in-kind donations of shopping bags, plastic storage containers, mannequins, and disposable rubber gloves. Submit your donations through Zealous Good, and help someone make it past the audition this fall.
Like Bridge to Success on Facebook
Follow B2S on Twitter
Be First to Comment