Rhode Island Partnership for Family Connections

The Clothing Collaborative grew out of a Dorcas Place goal to expand its school-to-work transition support services for Dorcas Place students. The overall goal of the Clothing Collaborative Network is to assist low-income, unemployed and underemployed individuals in overcoming barriers to training and employment.

The Clothing Collaborative Network provides work appropriate clothing at no cost to low-income men and women who are completing job training and education programs, and seeking employment. The program meets the need for practical support, more directly and more effectively, by providing high quality professional attire to the clients of participating Rhode Island agencies who meet the income and job search criteria of the program.

The program enables job seekers to experience the interview process more confidently because they are dressed appropriately and better able to make a good first impression.  After employment is secured, clients are able to continue to add to their “work wardrobe.” As long as individuals remain employed, they are permitted several return visits to receive additional outfits during their first year of employment.