Suited For Change

All though I would like to give this organization 5 stars based of what they stand for. Giving low income women a chance to get back on their feet and giving them a few outfits also, BUT that’s not reason why I am writing this.
My experience with volunteering as a suitor:
(I am no way trying to bash any one, just trying to reveal the truth.)
I started volunteering in February of 2015 my first day was pleasant until I came back another day and people started to ask questions about me and I revealed that I am not in college and haven’t earned my diploma. everybody demeanor towards me changed dramatically, they treated me as if I was less than a person and being that I am African American I was another statistic. they barley let me help with anything and made the corny jokes as if I wasn’t aware that they were about me.
For example me and two other girls were asked to set up shoe racks and purse holders for the up coming sale (in which I did not attend because of the continuous discrimination.) and I worked of the shoe rack by myself which was the bigger than the purse rack and I was not asked if I need help or was I complimented with saying «good job»; all I got were stares yet the two girls (that I remind you who are in college) who were working on together were getting help and compliments from anyone who walked passed. only time anyone asked if I needed help is when the two girls started to help me and EVERYONE Else jumped to help.
Regardless of what this organization does for Low income women I STRONGLY Believe the majority of the people who volunteer and work there are prejudice. anyone thinking about volunteering that of minority, please think twice.
–Thank You

Recently I dropped off some work clothing at Suited For Change, and I felt good about doing so. I was welcomed by three women who shared some stories about how the garments helped women. Previously, I donated clothes to other organizations where the items were thrown on a pile or the floor, with little attention to keeping them clean. So I was happy that Suited For Change focuses on the women who will receive these clothes and how they would want those items to appear. I had no problem with going on a Wednesday, and there was a short-​term parking spot right in front of the building. It took less than 15 minutes to carry items up. Good job, Suited for Change. I will be bringing summer items in a few months.

They are 22 years in business with just 2 full time staff. Yet they have served over 20,000 local women to prepare to enter our re-​enter the workforce. Read the 3 «not recommended“Yelp reviews… they are all 5-​stars, and they tell the other side of the story. As a donor for almost a decade, both of clothes and money, i have the utmost respect for a local charity that receives no DC or Fed funds and deliversa life-​changing experience to clients eveffry day. Their ss touch your heart, and they are helping women move off welfare and into work. I’m sorry they aren’t as easy to drop off clothes as Salvation Army, but they are worth the effort. And they are always welcoming donors to volunteer, which is also an incredible experience i highly recommend to experience if you can.
NOTE: According to Charity Navigator, «This organization is not eligible to be rated by Charity Navigator because it does not meet our criteria of having at least $ 1 million in revenues.» In other words, they’re not on Charity Navigator because they are too small to be considered…

I agree completely with the previous review. They have a great concept but they are making it far too difficult to be nice and donate. They need more storage space, a better schedule for donation collection days/​times/​locations, and a willingness to accept nice things that may need to be cleaned or pressed or whatever. The organization should be prepared to accept and store clothing which is out of season – The most likely to be donated. I also notice that they are unrated by
. They need to submit their credentials and stand up to scrutiny. their downtown location makes things very difficult for potential donors who do not work downtown.

Upfront, I have to let you know that I have knocked off a star (and would really like to knock off another) for their ridiculous policy on accepting donations (more on that later).
Suited for Change is a non profit that gives low income women the opportunity for independence and self sufficiency. They have all sorts of career and life-​skills programs that help women secure, keep and advance in their chosen field of employment. And in order to do so, as all of us fashionable Unilocalers know, you must first sport a smart suit (or dress) to at least look the part. For years I wore suits and then when I went into business for myself I didn’t want them bulking up my closet and sought a way to dispose of them. This was it. When you once paid a gazillion dollars for a suit it makes you feel much better knowing that your donation is going to improving your own community (extended community of women).
I have one serious beef with them though. They only accept donations on the first Saturday of every month and you must make an appointment to go in and see them in order to do so. So, in other words, you have to work harder to donate. Hmm. A little illogical if you ask me. And you can’t just donate anything (suits, dresses, pants, blouses, shoes, purses, etc — you get the idea as to what they are looking for) — it has to be season appropriate, pressed and ready to wear. Just keep reminding yourself that it’s for the greater good.