Various Leagues

Issue Area(s): life skills, self-esteem

Overview

Recognizing that low-income and out-of-work women need all the help they can get to support their job searches, some Leagues opened “boutiques” to provide them with business clothing, shoes, and accessories as part of their larger thrift and resale shops.

Community partners

• Local social service agencies, shelters, and food pantries
• Member and corporate donations

How it works

In addition to merchandise, the Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield’s Career Closet provides volunteers who act as personal shoppers and offer tips on business etiquette, resume-writing, interviewing, communication, and time management.

The Junior League of Fort Collins’ Career Closet program is a key component of a signature project called ABLEWomen, which addresses the needs of women struggling to overcome barriers to economic independence.

Participants in the Junior League of Long Island’s First Step program are referred by local social service agencies, shelters, and food pantries.

The Junior League of Boston has partnered with a national organization called Dress for Success, making it possible for the organization to open its Boston boutique two nights a week from October to May in order to dress more clients.

What’s the impact?

Leagues can clearly make a difference by taking what has long been a core outreach program—running a thrift shop—and tailoring it to the needs of women looking for work by adding personal shopping and career guidance.