a suit… a second chance.

Every day men arrive at Career Gear to begin their second chance.

Career Gear engages disconnected and underserved men by offering business attire. In addition, we assist these men by creating an environment that allows for self-expression, shared experience, and values-based career programming. Career Gear maintains a presence in New York, Boston, Houston, Miami, New Haven, and Washington, D.C.

Since 1999, Career Gear has helped thousands of disconnected and underserved job-seeking men become self-sufficient members of their communities. Career Gear offers vital services to men of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, as well as recipients of public assistance, the disabled, recovering addicts, Iraqi war veterans, former foster care children, recent immigrants, and the formerly incarcerated. We invest in men who have begun to turn their lives around. Each has completed a job-training program and has a scheduled interview that could change his life forever.

In 2007, 1,137 men received a business suit and career counseling. 82% of men served found employment. Another 1,199 men were served at affiliates around the country. Career Gear was also recognized by former president Bill Clinton in his book Giving, and at the MTV/CGI conference at the Apollo Theater. Career Gear was a recipient of the Gentlemen’s Fund, a cause awareness campaign celebrating GQ’s 50th anniversary.

Career Gear’s philosophy is simple but powerful: Successful securing of employment is a catalyst towards men emerging as fathers and leaders within their communities.

How You Can Help

Over the years, Career Gear has built support from private and corporate donors. This has helped Career Gear build an inventory of business apparel, which has outfitted thousands of men not only in New York but also among our affiliates. At the same time our inventory of accessories- largely neckwear- has not kept pace. In short, Career Gear needs your ties. A suit begins the process of rebuilding a man’s confidence; a tie adds a certain distinction, which completes his preparation for a job interview.

Ties collected through this cause marketing drive will become an important part of the services provided in helping men re-enter the workforce.

We are also asking if tie donors would pledge $5 for each tie donated. This contribution would be applied to the retention program that ensures a man holds on to a job. A $5 contribution allows one participant to take part in career counseling workshops that lead to quality-of-life improvements allowing participants to become leaders and fathers within their communities. As well, the financial donation provided by tie donors will ensure that men are provided vital retention services that help them keep jobs in 2008, and beyond.

Become part of the solution that enables men to fully participate in society and reach their full potential in becoming leaders and fathers.

Thank You

On behalf of the community of men we serve, thank you for the expression of interest in what we feel will become an important cause marketing campaign that will have immediate impact at Career Gear.

      John Sanful, Executive Director     

WOMEN'S CLOTHING
Two terrific organizations that accept women's clothing are Dress for Success and The Women's Alliance. Check out their websites for a location near you.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our primary source of income — the money that keeps the lights on, finances the payroll and underwrites any clothing we must buy — comes from individuals and corporations. Because we are a small grass roots organization, you can be assured that your tax-deductible donations will directly benefit our clients.

Your employer often matches your tax-deductible donations — please check with your Human Resources department to find out if your employer has a matching funds program. This effort really makes a difference! Your financial contributions go a long way to help us give men the tools they need to find and keep good jobs. Use our secure online donation form or send your tax-deductible donation to:

Career Gear
120 Broadway, 36th Floor
New York City, NY 10271

Please make all checks out to Career Gear.