Empowering Job Seekers: The new Clothing Closet Initiative at the Port St. Lucie Community Job Fair
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world:
indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
–Margaret Mead
TREASURE COAST, FL – The upcoming Community Job Fair, a collaborative event between CareerSource Research Coast (CSRC) and the City of Port St. Lucie, is set to offer a valuable new feature for job seekers: a clothing closet provided by GraceWay Village and a clothing drive through the City of Port St. Lucie. This addition aims to address a common barrier that some potential attendees face—lacking the appropriate attire to make a strong impression on prospective employers.
Bridging the Gap with GraceWay Village
For many job seekers, the phrase “Dress for Success” can be daunting, especially for those who have been out of work and lack access to business casual clothing. Recognizing this challenge, GraceWay Village has partnered with the job fair to offer a clothing closet, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to present themselves confidently.
Chrystal Nethrington, CEO of GraceWay Village, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: “Our mission is to support families and individuals in their journey towards self-sufficiency. By providing access to business attire, we help level the playing field, allowing job seekers to focus on showcasing their skills and experience.”
The Impact of a Simple Gesture
The clothing closet will be available to job seekers in advance of the job fair, offering gently used business casual clothing such as button-down shirts, blouses, trousers, skirts, dresses, blazers, and shoes. Each item has been carefully selected to ensure it is clean and in good condition, helping attendees to feel confident and professional.
Kevin Staten, CareerSource Research Coast board member, highlights the significance of this effort: “Sometimes, a clean new tie or shirt can make all the difference in how someone presents themselves. It can boost confidence and change how potential employers perceive them, turning a good first impression into a lasting one.”
Supporting the Community
Recently, at a community event, Staten had the opportunity to meet Chrystal Netherington and express his admiration for GraceWay Village’s new initiative. Staten praised the organization for its commitment to helping job seekers overcome barriers, noting how the clothing closet perfectly complements the mission of the Community Job Fair. “Chrystal and her team have done an incredible job with this initiative,” Staten remarked. “Their dedication to supporting individuals in need is inspiring, and we are proud to partner with them to make a difference in our community.”
This initiative would not be possible without the generous donations from the community. Donations of gently used business casual clothing can be dropped off at the Human Resources Suite located at City Hall, Building A. The donation period is open through August 13, 2024.
By participating in this clothing drive, you can make a tangible impact on the lives of aspiring job seekers in our community. For more information, please contact Alyssa Figur at 772-879-3374 or via email at afigur@cityofpsl.com.
To pre-register for the job fair, click here: Pre-Register
Together, we can help empower individuals to take the next step in their careers with confidence and dignity
