About Wardrobe for Opportunity
Our Mission
Wardrobe for Opportunity (WFO) works in partnership with the community to assist low-income individuals in their efforts to Find a Job, Keep a Job, and Build a Career.
Our History
Wardrobe for Opportunity (WFO) is a successful and growing 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that empowers low-income individuals from across the Bay Area with acquiring interview skills, professional clothing and the career support they need to become economically self-sufficient.
Founded in 1995 to address often overlooked, yet critical barriers to finding and retaining employment, WFO has served nearly 30,000 low-income individuals referred from over 40 partner social service and job-training agencies across the Bay Area. Founded originally to provide professional clothing for women, Wardrobe for Opportunity has expanded to provide in-depth, 360 degree professional development for men and women.
Vision Statement
Wardrobe for Opportunity will be the recognized leader in empowering low-income women and men to achieve economic viability.
WFO is committed four strategies:
- Expand client reach throughout the Greater Bay Area
- Continually engage constituents through multiple channels of communication
- Diversify funding sources to ensure stability and growth
- Create a culture that attracts and retains staff and volunteers that are passionate about WFO.
2016 Program Results
- 774 clients received professional attire for interviews and new jobs
- Thanks to our corporate partners, 113 clients participated in informational interviews with top Bay Area employers
- 602 people participated in one of our Professional Image Workshops
- 90 days after receiving a full week worth of professional clothing, 70% of clients had retained employment
- Six months after our Pathways course, 91% of graduates retained employment
- Six months after taking Pathways, graduates average wage increased from $17,392 to $29,949 and their savings increased from $1,918 at program start to $3,333, a 74% increase
- 100% of Pathways graduates felt the course improved their ability to set goals at 6 months
- 100% of Success Series graduates said the course helped them create a plan to achieve their goals at 6 months
- Over 75 alumni attended Financial Literacy Seminars