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Suiting up for workplace success

MenzFit is a Washington, D.C.-based organization that helps disadvantaged men prepare for the job market. The organization provides each client with a suit to wear once he has a scheduled interview and another upon hiring. MenzFit staff and volunteers will also review a client’s resume, conduct mock interviews, and help him select an appropriate outfit for an upcoming interview. In addition, the group has a career development program that includes seminars on business etiquette, time management, and other important topics; career days that expose clients to various office settings; a resource center that provides access to the Internet; empowerment conferences; and financial literacy classes. MenzFit has helped more than 3,000 men compete for jobs – 60 percent of whom remain employed.

Career Gear, a Washington, D.C., affiliate of a New York-based nonprofit, believes that successfully securing employment is a catalyst for helping disadvantaged men become self-sufficient members of, and leaders within, their communities. The organization provides interview preparation and counseling, as well as professional business attire to wear to interviews. Career Gear’s primary focus has been ensuring that, by the age of 21, youth in foster care have had opportunities to obtain educational, vocational, and life-skills training, as well as take advantage of employment and career development programs. The group helps with everything from interview preparation and job-retention to financial management and career advancement. In 2008, Career Gear provided career counseling and a suit for 1,387 men – 81 percent of whom found employment.

Career Gear and MenzFit help former foster children, people with disabilities, recovering substance abusers, veterans, recent immigrants, public assistance recipients, the homeless, graduates of job-training programs, and those who have been incarcerated.

MenzFit and Career Gear accept donations of gently worn business apparel. Career Gear is in particular need of ties. Each organization also offers volunteer opportunities, such as helping clients prepare for job interviews.

For more information, visit careergear.org and menzfit.org.

Career Gear
c/o National Association of Former Foster Care Children of America
5505 5th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20011
(202) 291-1603

MenzFit
3933 Minnesota Ave., NE
Washington, D.C. 20019
(202) 396-2050