Working Wardrobes

In 1990, Working Wardrobes began with a handful of people who felt compelled to make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. Disturbed by the growing statistics of domestic violence, Founder and CEO Jerri Rosen, along with five friends, set out on a mission to help. The first-ever Day of Self Esteem served as a life-changing experience for the both the clients and organizers, and created a foundation to build Working Wardrobes into a thriving organization dedicated to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency.

Now entering its 21st year, the independent nonprofit organization has served more than 50,000 adults emerging from life crises by providing:

o Professional wardrobe selected with the help of personal shoppers
o Career readiness and life skills workshops on resume writing, interviewing, job searching, financial literacy and much more
o Three annual motivational, wardrobe and grooming events:: Days of Self-Esteem for women and for men, and Cinderellas for Life for teens
o Certification in customer service and retail sales through the National Retail Foundation

Each year, Working Wardrobes serves more than 5,000 clients from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds such as alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, transitional homelessness and catastrophic illness. Clients are referred through the CalWORKS program, social service agencies and 50 shelters/programs in Orange County, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

Working Wardrobes’ awards and accolades include the 2010 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Founder Award, 2009 Orange County Charity of the Year Award from OC Weekly and 2007 Social Enterprise First Pioneer Award.

Working Wardrobes also is an advocate of social enterprise, operating The Hanger Resale Boutiques with locations in Tustin and Laguna Niguel. One hundred percent of proceeds from The Hanger boutiques benefit the clients served by Working Wardrobes, making up 35 percent of the organization’s funding. More information can be found at www.thehangerboutiques.org.