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Date: 2/27/2015
HOLYOKE – On a recent Friday visit to the Holyoke Career Closet at Holyoke Community College, it was a hubbub of activity as donations were being accepted and clients were perusing the clothing available for upcoming job interviews.
For Wanda Ortiz, a work-study student at the college, the career closet is providing an invaluable service by providing her with clothing for an upcoming internship. Ortiz also donates her time to the program since she can provide bilingual services for those seeking clothing from outside referral sources.
“I like to work with customers and help them make the right choices,” Ortiz said during an interview with Reminder Publications. As a student studying medical billing, Ortiz knows the importance of making the right first impression.
“When I finish my education this spring, I will also have learned good skills having worked with others,” she said.
Lauretta Gregoire, a Citizens for Citizens volunteer, currently oversees the Holyoke Career Closet that provides individuals with appropriate clothing for a scheduled job interview, internship, externship, work-study co-op or practicum. The Holyoke Career Closet is a collaboration between the college and the Providence Ministries Service Network.
“We need people to know we are here,” Gregoire said. “When individuals arrive we want them to pretend they are shopping at a major retailer. We encourage them to first look at all of the options, and then we can zero in on the appropriate size. Finally, the outfit comes together with accessories.”
Erin Schotanus, LMHC, program development and operations manager for Providence Ministries, noted that the career closet has come a long way since its inception more than three years ago.
“Providence Ministries and Holyoke Community College owe all the credit to Lauretta who has had such an eye for detail when it comes to retail,” Schotanus said.
Schotanus noted that Providence Ministries has been meeting the basic needs of area residents for more than 35 years, and in this partnership, is able to help those in need have access, free of charge, to appropriate professional looking, dress clothes to properly prepare for an interview for a job.
“Providence Ministries and Holyoke Community College recognize that not only is it important to offer basic needs services and access to education, but also the opportunity to those in need to properly prepare for an interview, dress included, in an effort to improve overall quality of life,” she said.
Gregoire echoed those sentiments.
“People have one chance to make a first impression,” she said.
Schotanus added that the Career Closet provides an “important” community service that helps individuals make the best first impression they can.
“Individuals who report back to us that they received the job are welcomed to come back for additional outfits, free of charge, to further supplement their wardrobe,” Schotanus said.
In addition to college students, several local agencies assist individuals with referrals to the program. Referring agencies working with Providence Ministries and Holyoke Community include Career Point, Citizens for Citizens, Community Enterprises, Enlace de Familias, Future Works, Holyoke Works, Juntos Collaborative, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, New England Business Associates and Partners for Community.
Donations of clean, ready-to-wear, interview-appropriate clothing for men and women, shoes, accessories, belts, nylons and socks are welcomed during program hours. Before donors leave the Career Closet, they receive a tax-deductible form for the items they dropped off. Donors are asked to check clothing for rips, tears, stains, working zippers and buttons prior to donating.
“At this time we are also particularly in need of white plastic hangers, storage bins with tops, and sturdy clothing racks,” Gregoire said.
For more information on the Holyoke Career Closet which is located in the Kittredge Center, room 207, visit www.holyokecareercloset.com or call 552-2564. Hours of operation are weekdays from noon to 4 p.m.
Volunteer opportunities are also available at the program and range from a fitters/wardrobe adviser and tailor to helping with closet upkeep. Short-term volunteer opportunities can include hosting a clothing drive or a “donation dress down day.” For more information on these opportunities, contact Schotanus at pmn3-development@comcast.net or call 536-9109, ext. 11.