At Working Wardrobes, we proudly honor the strength and resilience of our Veteran clients through the incredible Quilts of Valor. From overcoming homelessness and career setbacks to finding new purpose, these Veterans are living proof that with the right support, anything is possible. Their journeys are filled with courage, determination, and the drive to succeed.
Meet our Client, David!
Army Veteran David was excited to begin civilian life, with plans to start his coding career through an accredited IT program. But when his funding fell through, he ended up in a short-lived seasonal job, followed by a sales position. As the economy worsened, David lost his job and soon found himself unhoused. Seeking help, the American Legion provided temporary housing and directed him to Working Wardrobes.
Here, David connected with Veteran Peer Navigator, Merlin, who helped extend his housing, restore his phone service, and revamp his resume. What he thought was a decent resume got a full transformation—clean, concise, and filled with key terminology to catch employers’ attention.
In addition, David found an unexpected support system. He values Merlin’s regular check-ins, advice, and help, including transportation when needed. Now, David lives in his own apartment, is choosing the right job opportunity, and is building a fulfilling future.
Meet our Client Turned Staff Member, Chris!
Navy Veteran Chris believed his military electrician training, savings, and commitment to education would help him thrive in civilian life. But by 2013, a back injury, and an unstable economy left him struggling with bills, rent, and his mental health.
After reaching out to various agencies with no success, his sister suggested Working Wardrobes. The moment he walked in, Chris felt welcomed. Chris received extensive support—resume building, certification resources, and wardrobing.
Since then, Chris has found stable employment, earned a BA in Sociology from Cal State Fullerton, completed a peer support specialist certificate from LMU, and taken control of his health through sobriety and diet.
Now, he’s come full circle by joining Working Wardrobes as a Veteran Peer Navigator, eager to help other Veterans with honesty, empathy, and patience.
Meet our Career Coach, Terance!
Terance is a Working Wardrobes Career Coach who helps clients achieve their goals with his inspiring and culturally sensitive coaching style. He is a sought-after trainer and coach who is passionate and patient in teaching clients the skills they need to handle difficult transitions, whether they are changing careers or adapting to a new work culture.
Terance is a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served honorably as a telecommunications petty officer and received extensive training in communications and computer operations.
He shares his experience with active duty Marines & Sailors as a workshop facilitator at our biannual Power Up for Success events aboard Camp Pendleton and is also a Workshop Facilitator working with young adults on our CA4ALL Santa Ana community partnership.
“I love being a career coach and trainer who is passionate and patient in guiding our clients in their discovery of key transferable skills to unlock and expand their career options.”
“I have a passion for sharing my career coaching insights and experience with young adults and military professionals, which is my way of giving back to those who have helped me in my career path.”
As the evening progressed, four outstanding military Veterans were honored: current client, David Stark (Army), former client turned Vetran Behavioral Health Peer Support Services Navigator, Chris Ramirez (Navy), esteemed career coach Terance Jones (Navy), and Edwards Lifesciences’ Senior VP, Jim Bourne (Army) were each presented with a Quilt of Valor® to say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
Working Wardrobes extends heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and underwriters U.S. Bank (Presenting Sponsor), H&H Lee Charitable Foundation, Optum, Bank of America, Boot Barn, Donna & Chris Matthews, Apriem, Edwards Lifesciences, Robert Half, Windsor, CommerceWest Bank, Ingram Micro, Precision Hermetic Technology, Sunwest Bank, Leaderology, KPMG, Stifel (Success with Purpose), Withum, AAA, and UBS. Because of their generosity, we can continue empowering individuals to overcome employment barriers, achieve financial stability, and thrive.
As the evening came to a close, CEO Bonni Pomush reminded everyone of the old adage “‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ Exchange the rod, reel, and fishing waders for soft skills training, support to address critical needs, and interview preparation including confidence in an interview outfit and Voila! Creating a sense of worth from the inside out and proving to our clients that they are ready and capable of creating sustainable success on their own. Together we share core values and a mission that supports and empowers our fellow humans creating an infinite horizon of possibility.”