The History of Job Outfitters
A short elevator ride to the third floor at the YWCA reveals a quaint hallway. Looking down the hallway one will see an inviting wreath with a purple and white sign that says “Job Outfitters.” Walking closer to the door, the sounds of laughter and gratitude can be overheard. Every person that walks into the Job Outfitters shop receives a warm smile followed by a welcome to Job Outfitters. A counter with a mannequin dressed in a professional outfit greats each shopper. Looking around one will see that there is career apparel for every shape and size. There are literally hundreds of clothes women are able to choose from.
Job Outfitters is a unique boutique store that offers women in the Lincoln Community not only career clothing, but also tips on hair and make up along with hope and encouragement for the future. The need for Job Outfitters has become increasingly important during these tough economic times.
Job Outfitters was started in 1986 when four organizations came together to meet the needs of women in the Lincoln Community. The four organizations that came together were the Lincoln-Lancaster Commission on the Status of Women, the YWCA, Business and Professional Women- Axis Chapter, and American Business Women’s Association- Horizon Chapter. Job Outfitters was opened in September of 1986 and the first donations were received on August 9, 1986. Susan Ugai was the first coordinator for Job Outfitters. The program was born when the Women of Color Task Force suggested the idea of a clothing bank to assist women with appropriate clothing for interviews. Denise Barrett from the Women of Color Task Force stated that Job Outfitters was needed to assist women in breaking the income barrier for job interviews.
There was a limited population of women that were assisted when the program was first started. Only women referred by the YWCA, Nebraska Job Service, Social Services departments, and other women’s groups and shelters were assisted.
Clients were not only provided with free clothing, but they were also provided with advice about clothing coordination, make-up, and hair care. Volunteers with the program were provided with sensitivity training to curve potential discrimination. The program not only served victims of domestic violence, but it also served college graduates. The program originally asked participants to provide a cash or clothing donation after they had been employed for three to six months. The participants were asked to do this so that they would be able to assist more women in need.
Over the years, Job Outfitters has grown tremendously and has been able to greatly assist the community. By 1997, Job Outfitters was assisting 184 women. Job Outfitters has continued to grow and expand. Last year over 800 women were assisted. The women make individual appointments to receive one on one assistance during the appointment. The women are able to take up to five outfits per appointment and are allowed two appointments a year, one appointment for spring/ summer clothing and another appointment for fall/winter clothing. Presently Job Outfitters hosts a winter and summer giveaway. On giveaway days it is not necessary for a woman to have an appointment. Each attendee is given 15 minutes to shop in Job Outfitters and they are able to take as many clothes as needed. The idea is to give away clothing that is tailored for the past season to make room for donations that the women will be able to wear in the upcoming season.
Useful donations for Job Outfitters include more than career clothing; personal hygiene products, make up, jewelry, shoes, and monetary donations are always greatly appreciated. To volunteer or donate to Job Outfitters please call 402-434-3494 ext. 125.
