Suited for Change
Our Mission
Founded in 1992, Suited for Change is a local non-profit that enables low-income women to increase their employment and job retention potential, and contributes to their economic independence. Our vision is to empower women and alleviate poverty. For over 24 years, Suited for Change has developed a unique clothing boutique—filled with high-quality donated professional women’s clothing, shoes and accessories—exclusively for low-income women to increase their confidence and opportunities for success in the workplace.
Our Approach
Suited for Change is the leading organization in the Washington Metropolitan Region providing professional attire, personalized style mentoring and job-readiness soft skills to women seeking employment and financial self-sufficiency. A network of more than 25 regular volunteers are the core of the program. Our programs are available free of charge to women who are participating in workforce development programs throughout the region and are referred by partner agencies.
Our Programs
Suiting Program: When clients come to Suited for Change, they are met by staff and volunteers who believe in them. They receive two free full outfits (including shoes, purse, jewelry, etc.) and are welcomed back once they’re employed for three extra outfits to complete a week’s worth of clothing. We work with them to help make sure they are physically prepared and self- confident when they go on job interviews. And it pays off. Our clients leave with renewed self-confidence, and a knowledge that there is a community of people who really care about – and are willing to invest in – their success.
Workshop Series: At Suited for Change, we want our clients to not only get the job, but keep the job. We offer a variety of workshop series that focus on job readiness and job retention skills. We offer everything from resume building workshops to classes covering personal finances and nutrition.
Suited for Change is a founding member of The Alliance of Career Development Non-profits, a national organization of independent, community-based “sister organizations” who provide professional attire, career skills training and related services to low-income women and families.
Suited for Change is a founding member of The Alliance of Career Development Non-profits, a national organization of independent, community-based “sister organizations” who provide professional attire, career skills training and related services to low-income women and families. Clients come from the DC Metro Region and include homeless women, survivors of domestic violence, teen mothers, senior citizens, returning citizens, and women who have overcome addiction.
Clients come from the DC Metro Region and include homeless women, survivors of domestic violence, teen mothers, senior citizens, returning citizens, and women who have overcome addiction.
Suited for Change: The Facts
With the support of the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation, this year we’re working to:
Provide 1,200 low-income women seeking employment with business attire for interview
Offer job seeking and job retention soft skills workshops to 300 women
Engage 100 volunteers who contribute 3,000+ hours annually through clothing drives, suiting sessions, and workshop facilitation
Collaborate with a network of more than 100 workforce partners who refer women to take advantage of one of the D.C. Area’s largest clearinghouse for gently-used professional clothing donated by career women
Improve women’s economic empowerment, with 69% of clients surveyed reporting they successfully gained employment after receiving services by Suited for Change.