25 Years. 80,000 Lives. The Journey Continues.

“The dignity of work – the foundation of Working Wardrobes – transforms at-risk men, women, young adults and veterans into productive members of society. All we do is provide the tools…and the inspiration.”

All photographs are actual clients served by Working Wardrobes.

The Life-changing Journey

To YOU!

After two and a half decades, my one overwhelming memory is

this community of ‘we’ that has surrounded our work. The people,

companies and organizations whose generous contributions have made

it possible for tens of thousands of clients to say, “I got the job!”

The joy that those four simple words bring to our clients who were

formerly hopeless is remarkable. And you have made that happen.

Twenty-five years is quite a milestone, and it is with great pride that

I dedicate this 25th year to you! Donors, volunteers and staff – together,

we’ve accomplished so much!

Yet much work remains.

The need is huge. The need is here. And the need is now. There

are countless people with incredible potential who lack self-esteem,

opportunity and training. I know that we will passionately support

thousands more worthy clients, providing them with “the power of

a paycheck” on their life-changing journeys to success.

Very best,

Jerri RosenFounder/Chief Executive Officer

The situation: The U.S. spends more than

one trillion dollars on welfare

– an increase of 32% in the

past several years. Orange

County, considered to be a

center of extreme affluence,

masks a troublesome reality:

more than 8,000 people

are homeless; 80,000 are

unemployed; and 250,000

are underemployed.

The solution: Working Wardrobes and our

Career Success Institute

“…much work remains.”

“Before” and “After” photo

A 25-year Journey

Beginning as a small, one-day career makeover event in 1990, Working Wardrobes has evolved into

a $3+ million-a-year operation supporting 5,000 clients annually.

In 25 years, we have changed the lives of 80,000 at-risk men, women, young adults and veterans

emerging from challenging life crises.

In a non-judgmental, empowering environment, our caring staff and dedicated volunteers offer an

unparalleled suite of professional career-readiness curriculum at no cost to clients. Our career-based

training – from career preparation and coaching to job placement and a great-looking wardrobe –

empowers individuals facing serious life challenges an opportunity to transform their lives in an

atmosphere of dignity and encouragement. We are changing the lives of our clients…daily.

“…changed the lives of 80,000…”

“…empowering clients to land a job…”

The Journey Starts with…a Path to Success

This is a sensitive journey. So we focus on our clients’ potential, not their pasts.

Our effective Career Success Institute workshops, led by highly trained coaches, empower clients to

prepare for and find meaningful employment. Graduates are honored at a Career Success Graduation

celebration where they are introduced to employers. Jobs are often offered on the spot!

The innovative outreach at Working Wardrobes does not stop there. With unlimited drop-in services,

computer courses, continuing career development workshops, phone and in-person counseling, our support

is ongoing.

Nationally certified job skills workshops provide in-depth skills in customer service and security, as well as

additional training in commercial driving, welding and solar installation. Education empowers our clients to

be uniquely prepared for their career path.

Abuse, Homelessness,

Incarceration

Carmen was a young college student studying

fashion design. Her abusive, drug-addicted

boyfriend led to her substance abuse,

homelessness, crime and eventually, jail time.

A judge ordered Carmen to undergo substance

abuse treatment, where she was referred to

Working Wardrobes. She learned everything from

professional etiquette to answering the dreaded

interview question, “Can you explain why you

checked ‘yes’ to a felony record?”

Through Working Wardrobes, Carmen met an

upscale retail representative, re-igniting her

passion for fashion. Carmen got the job.

She remains a successful salesperson, earning

her BA in Fashion Design. She said, “A few years

ago, I didn’t care if I lived or died. I am so grateful

for what Working Wardrobes has given me.”

Our Clients’ Journeys

“… I didn’t care if I lived or died …”

Addiction, Alcoholism

at Eight Years Old

California is home to almost two million veterans,

with under-24 males facing a staggering national

jobless rate of 29%.

Working Wardrobes’ VetNet program transitions

at-risk veterans to the civilian working world. Patrick

fell into addiction and alcoholism at eight years old.

Later, in the 82nd Airborne, his drug abuse escalated.

Upon return, he lived on the streets, grateful for jail

stints that ensured a decent meal and a bed.

A treatment program referred Patrick to Working

Wardrobes, where he addressed his difficult past

and gained confidence to launch a new life. At his

graduation, he donned a suit for the first time.

Patrick is now a project estimator, earning a

degree in Computer Technologies and became

the father he always wanted to be. He serves as

Client Advocate on Working Wardrobes’ Board

of Directors, declaring “because of Working

Wardrobes, I am proud of whom I am today.”

Our Clients’ Journeys

“Because of Working Wardrobes,

I’m proud of who I am today”

Bringing Out the Best in ClientsNearly 4,000 enthusiastic volunteers, plus generous corporate partners, contribute 38,000+ hours annually

and critical financial support to help return our clients to a self-sufficient life with purpose.

But there are so many more people who are in need of exactly these same services! We need to do more,

for more people.

Here are some tangible ways you can get involved:

Corporate Advocates promote social responsibility by donating corporate services, hiring our clients

and planning fundraisers. They inspire employee team-building and morale, as well as raise corporate

visibility while improving our community.

Donors provide the necessary funding for the client services we provide. They are the heart of our work and

the foundation for our growth.

Volunteers bring enormous talent as Board members, personal shoppers, fundraising support, fashion

board volunteers in our shops and so much more. They are the engine that drives our clients’ success.

“... a self-sufficient life with purpose…”

Why It WorksAs social entrepreneurs, we do the right thing for our clients, we do well for our community and we do good

for our planet.

Your generous donations of new and gently-loved clothing make The Hangers, our upscale resale boutiques,

and cost-conscious Working Wardrobes Outlet Shops treasure troves of great quality, terrific values and a

significant way to support clients in need.

Our shops provide nearly 40% of Working Wardrobes’ total funding needs. Because of this efficient,

entrepreneurial business model, 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to client services.

Corporations, organizations and thousands of individuals are championing social responsibility with us.

Together, we are empowered to create tens of thousands more client success stories.

“...90 cents of every dollar supports clients”

Our Next 25 Years

“…our work is just beginning.”

As much as we’ve accomplished in a quarter-century, we’ve just begun to meet the existing needs.

Many parents must work two and three low-paying jobs to keep a roof over their family’s heads and will

continue to be at risk. They need additional training to find jobs with dignity and a living wage.

Our remarkable journey has helped empower the lives 80,000 clients, their families and their neighborhoods.

Because we know the power of our programs, we can’t stop here.

We are putting our focus on bringing the power of a paycheck for many, many more people. We will

expand our training, skill set certifications and soft-skills training to create a more highly-qualified workforce.

We envision more jobs with dignity, including:

• A VetNet staffing agency, creating more jobs for veterans

• More corporate involvement by investing, hiring, volunteering and sharing corporate social

responsibility opportunities

• Partnering with major donors eager to invest in our proven business model

• Expanding our geographic reach beyond Southern California

Please join our growing community of ‘we’ – corporate partners, donors, shoppers and volunteers – as we

embark on an exciting and ambitious future!

Career Center • Donation Center

3030 Pullman Street, Suite A • Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • 714.210.2460 • workingwardrobes.org • info@workingwardrobes.org

Help Us Continue Our JourneyWe are eager to meet you and share our story.

Take the signature Inside Working Wardrobes tour and join us as we continue our journey.

Copywriting: Dianne Seeber / Design/Production: Bonnie Toth