Thinking back on our many milestones at Working Wardrobes over the past 30 years!
What fills our hearts is the many memories and people who have been so important to our work, we thank you and celebrate YOU and truly a Cause to Celebrate!
1. Over 105,000 clients have been served with wardrobing, career development and workforce readiness services at no cost to them.
2. Millions of pounds of clothing have been saved from landfills, giving these clothes a new life and our clients a second chance!
3. Since 1990, We have been honored with over 150 awards and certificates by government officials, businesses and media organizations.
4. In 1990, Working Wardrobes launches with the first ‘Day of Self-Esteem Event’ serving 67 women from six domestic violence shelters. A community charity was born!
5. In 1991, we began hosting our ‘Women’s Event’ at Our Lady Queen of Angels and continue for the next 7 years.
6. In 1994, we move to our first office a 1500 sq. Ft. space, with a staff of two, in Garden Grove.
7. In 1995, we host three events to serve new female populations – domestic violence survivors, formerly incarcerated women & CalWorks Community College single moms – at the Garden Grove Community Center.
8. We also receive official nonprofit status in the state of California.
9. In 1997, we expand our services to help men to get back to work, the Power of the Paycheck is born!
10. In 1998, we partner with Men’s Wearhouse to get more men back to work and continue this remarkable partnership today!
11. In 1999, we are ‘adopted’ by NHRA in a remarkable partnership that allows us to increase our coaches and corporate engagement.
12. In 2000, we expand our services to help young men and women with a focus on life skills; empowerment, employment and dignity!
13. In 2001, we open our first retail clothing store, The Hanger Boutique, in Tustin, which is still open at the same location today!
14. In 2002, Jerri closes her ad agency and moves from Working Wardrobes volunteer director to staff, eventually becoming CEO.
15. In 2003, Working Wardrobes Board of Directors forms with dedicated & hard-working volunteers and supporters.
16. In 2004, we open our second store, a Thrift Shop in Anaheim.
17. In 2005, we receive our first fees- for-service contract with ResCare in a partnership that continues today!
18. In 2006, we move into a “huge” 10,000 sqft. office space in Fountain Valley. We also partnered Byron Scott for the ‘Black Tie and Tennie’ fundraising event.
19. In 2007, we add more career development and job training to our daily client services, including the National Retail Federation Customer Service/Sales Training.
20. We produced our first cable TV show with channel 3 in partnership with Cox communications.
21. In 2008 – We host our first event at Camp Pendleton to support transitioning Marines and Sailors. We also hosted our first fundraiser luncheon feature Mr. Blackwell and honored George Zimmer from Men’s Warehouse.
22. In 2010, we hosted ‘Dream Girls and Distinguished Gentlemen’ events to provide prom attire to low income teens
23. In 2011, we participated in the Annual Capital Pursuit Drive in Washington D.C. and met Nancy Pelosi.
24. In 2012, we formalize our work with veterans by launching VetNet, a safety net for veterans.
25. In 2014, we host our Annual Gala onboard the USS Iowa and honor VetNet Executive Director, Harry Humphries, and long-time corporate donors Wells Fargo and The Boeing Company
26. In 2016, we move into a 23,500 sq. Ft. Career Center in Irvine.
27. In 2017, we receive our first Nonprofit of the Year from California’s 73rd Assemblyman Bill Brough and our second from California’s 74th District Assemblyman Matthew Harper
28. In 2018, we host our first ‘Military Spouses Event’ at the headquarters of corporate partner KIA Motors.
29. In 2019, we launch our first podcast, Success Talks and we lease our first truck with a generous donor underwriting the complete wrapping of the newly branded truck.
30. In 2020, we celebrate 30 years of helping men, women, young adults and veterans overcome difficult challenges so they can achieve the dignity of work, and the Power of a Paycheck®.
