By Ron Brownlow and Fahmida Rashid

When it comes to finding a job, first impressions are everything. You might have the skills. You might have the experience. But if you don’t know how to present yourself or can’t afford the right clothes, you’re facing an uphill battle. Which makes it particularly hard if you’re trying to come off welfare and land that first job.

Fortunately, there’s a service that can help. Bottomless Closet is a non-profit corporation that promotes economic self-sufficiency by providing interview skills, business clothing and career development services for disadvantaged women.

“I like it, it’s very comfortable,” said Myra Williams, a client who recently got a job as a receptionist. “It’s helping me with my new position. It prepared me for my interview with my resume. It gave me all the basic essentials: hair, makeup…”

Founded in Chicago in 1991, Bottomless Closet now has 15 branches nationwide, compared with its much counterpart Dress for Success, which has offices in 73 cities. Bottomless Closet’s New York office opened in January of 1999, and has helped nearly 3,000 women.

“It’s a mutually beneficial kind of thing,” said President of the Board and co-founder, Sheila Lambert, who worked for many years in human resources. “I get as much out of it as I put in.” Volunteers, many with corporate backgrounds, act as personal shoppers, image consultants, and job-counselors for clients who are who are recommended by community-based job-placement programs.
	Myra Williams looking good in her new outfit. PHOTO: Ron Brownlow

Volunteers teach the women how to spruce up their resumes, how to conduct themselves during job interviews or at the office, and, most important, how to be confident. After getting a job, clients can return for mentoring and personal development seminars, such as lectures and yoga classes.

Last year, Bottomless Closet in New York operated on a budget of $500,000, some of which came from private donations. Most of their money came from corporate sponsors Acenture and Time Warner.

Bottomless Closet gives each client two complete outfits she can wear to job interviews, along with make-up, jewelry and a bag, if needed. If the client lands the job, she gets three more outfits.

“It’s a makeover with the clothing but it’s really about helping these women build self-esteem,” Lambert said.

Bottomless Closet welcomes donations of new and gently worn, clean clothing, coats, and accessories, which are tax deductible. They are especially in need of plus sizes. To make a donation or volunteer, call (212) 563-2499.

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