Our Mission

We help people overcome barriers to gainful employment

Since 1990, we have provided 125,000 members of our community with the resources, confidence, and skills they need to find and maintain gainful employment and achieve lasting economic stability.

Gainful Employment

In Southern California, employment does not always result in financial sustainability. In a single-income household in Orange County, one would need to work 124 hours a week to afford basic expenses.

But gainful employment means more than making a livable wage. Components of gainful employment include a workplace that respects and appreciates diversity, a safe working environment, and job satisfaction – elements that every jobseeker deserves.

The Barriers our Clients Face

Our clients come from a diverse set of backgrounds. Whether they served in the military, are impacted by the justice system, survive domestic violence, experience homelessness, or face food insecurity, we address their personal and systemic barriers to gainful employment with individualized support and resources.

Through our Rebuilding Careers program, clients gain access to a wide range of career readiness services delivered with the utmost dignity and respect.

Our Impact

Named one of the “Best Charitable Organizations” in Orange County, Working Wardrobes transforms thousands of lives each year through our award-winning career readiness services.

125,000+

Clients served since 1990

2,000+

Volunteers each year

185

Partner programs & service providers

500,000+

Garments donated each year

2023 Annual Report

Since our launch in 1990, we have helped over 125,000 individuals in overcoming barriers to gainful employment. Watch/read the full report to learn more about what YOU helped us accomplish. Together, we’re rebuilding careers and rebuilding lives.

Our History

Over more than 30 years of service to our community, Working Wardrobes has helped 120,000 people overcome barriers to gainful employment.

The Power of One Person

In 1990, Working Wardrobes founder Jerri Rosen felt compelled to make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. She and a few friends hosted the first-ever Day of Self Esteem: a life-changing event which served 67 women from local domestic violence shelters. This event created the foundation upon which Working Wardrobes became a thriving organization, dedicated to preparing thousands annually to enter and re-enter the workforce.

A Legacy of Service

Over the years, Working Wardrobes adapted to answer our community’s call for support. We made our services available to men in 1997 and young adults 2000. In the early aughts, we started offering tailored services to address the unique challenges faced by military members and the justice impacted.

Rebuilding Working Wardrobes

On February second of 2020, Working Wardrobes’ headquarters were struck by a devastating fire. Our Donation Center, Wardrobe Department, Career Center, and Corporate Offices, along with everything in them, were destroyed. An outpouring of support from our community helped Working Wardrobes rebuild, just as we help our clients rebuild their careers. We pivoted to serving clients virtually that Monday!