Referral Partner Process

When Men Work,
Families Work.

Since 1999, Career Gear has helped more than 35,000 men move from poverty to employment and financial self- sufficiency. We’ve helped fathers reconnect with their children, empowered them to lift themselves and their families from public assistance and watched their confidence grow along with their sense of self-worth. And we’ve seen communities grow stronger for it.

Our participants — veterans, recovering substance abusers, recent immigrants, the formerly incarcerated, the disabled , first-generation college students, men on public assistance — are sent to us from our network of community-based referral partners.

We prepare them for the interview by providing the necessary skills and wardrobe to create a meaningful impression and obtain the job. We continue support through life-skills coaching, mentoring and professional wardrobe long after the initial referral.

Career Gear is continuing to help me with the obstacles that pop up in my daily life. I’m glad there is a place like this where men like me can come for the guidance and support we need.” – James, a Professional Development Series participant

Our Programs

The Job Readiness Program

Participants receive pre-interview counseling to identify barriers to potential employment plus coaching to help them communicate effectively. Then we help them select an interview-appropriate outfit from our extensive inventory of contemporary clothing. At the Initial Suiting, each client receives a personalized fitting of one of two options based on the interview setting:

*Belt and shoes based on availability.

All Career Gear clothing is in excellent condition, donated brand- new by high-quality clothing manufacturers or gently used by business professionals. All items are checked to ensure condition.

The Professional Development Series

This open-ended program is available to every man who is referred by a partnered organization. Weekly workshops focus on financial literacy, career advancement, parenting and life management skills in an environment of professional and peer support. Participants earn additional clothing for attendance in the evening workshops.

The Mentoring Program

The Mentoring Program provides participants the emotional support and practical advice to help them navigate the everyday obstacles they face. Participants work one-on-one with professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help reinforce their recently acquired skills and new-found confidence.

Becoming a
Referral Partner