Late last month, the City of Belleville’s Economic Development team launched a clothing drive for Meta Employment Services’ Career Closet– an important program that helps those struggling buy clothes, shoes and accessories for their new job or job interview to put their best foot forward, in-style and on-budget. Members of Council, City staff, the City’s Economic Development Committee and even retired City staff cleaned out their closets to support the local workforce.
“Donations began to roll in immediately,” explained Director of Economic Development Heather Candler. “Our office was at times, piled with bags and boxes of clothes, shoes, purses, wallets and steel toe boots, donated for the Career Closet. They didn’t just come from inside City Hall. When we talked about this project in the community, the community showed up too. Belleville is very generous.”
“We all know how important the workforce is to the success of Belleville’s businesses,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “Rising costs have created challenges for every family. The cost of clothes cannot be the thing that gets in the way of someone participating in the workforce or getting that new job that they have worked so hard for. Staff saw a way to help that had immediate impact and it has been a huge success.”
The Career Closet is a transformative program that is making its debut to assist individuals on their professional journey. Recognizing that success in the workplace is not solely determined by attire but also by confidence and knowledge, Career Closet provides a unique combination of resources to empower every person in the workforce and wanting to join the workforce.
The Career Closet’s experienced consultants go the extra mile, not only helping clients choose the right attire to make a powerful impression, but also offering invaluable work advice, including interview tips and strategies that will support a client’s success. Through personalized one-on-one consultations, a consultant helps clients to select the perfect workwear at very affordable prices, for interviews and/or everyday wear. Whether you are newly entering the workforce, participating in school placements or internships, changing careers, actively job searching or applying for a promotion, the Career Closet has the outfit to get you the job. The Career Closet accommodates both walk-ins and reservations, with walk-in hours available every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.
One client shared, “I had no clothing to wear to an interview and no job to buy clothing. It was overwhelming until Samantha [at META] brought me to the Career Closet. The clothes were beautiful and I found a complete outfit that made me feel confident for my interviews.”
That client was offered and accepted the job following that interview.
This program is made possible through generous community donations and sponsorships. The City’s Economic Development team ran their clothing drive for a month, from September through October, while folks were getting their winter clothes out and sorting through their closets.
“When I dropped off our last load of clothing at META Employment Services, they shared an example of a client who came in last week, needing clothes for a new job they were starting. They had nothing that fit, couldn’t afford new clothes and their confidence was suffering. They worked with one of the Career Closet consultants and were able to walk out with a whole week’s wardrobe and renewed confidence, for just $27.”
Those interested can continue to donate to the program at any time by dropping off donations to META Employment Services directly at 161 Bridge St. West (beside Giant Tiger).