Career Closet helps open doors
Knoxville News-Sentinel
By Terry Shaw
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Back in 1996, Carroll Minor and Becky Hare overheard some women being told they had to wear dress-up clothes for interviews as part of a job-training program.
The problem was, they didn't have any. And they couldn't afford any, either. So the two members of St. James Episcopal Church decided to do something about it and helped form what's now known as the Career Closet.
Since then, thousands of eligible job-seekers have been given a hand - and often, a needed personal boost.
"I can remember one girl coming in with her eyes like saucers, rubbing the material of the suit," Minor said. That's because she'd never owned anything that nice.
"Besides the oohs and aahs," Hare added, "you can see their self-esteem rise."
The one-time program helps prepare participants for what's often a first job interview.
In the beginning, the volunteers were scrambling.
"Central Methodist was having a big garage sale," Minor recalls. "We made arrangements to get the women in the night before."
After that, St. James was gracious enough to give them a basement room to store a few wardrobe boxes. The North Knoxville location was perfect because it was on a bus line and near housing. The program quickly grew and the church provided a larger space.
The Career Closet is run through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at Knox County's Community Action Committee. Depending on your definition, it's housed in either a small room or a big closet. But the size doesn't matter.
"We just want to help as many women as we can," said Hare, who also serves as manager of RSVP.
The Career Closet is open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. To be eligible, women must present a certificate showing they've completed training through organizations such as the Tennessee Technology Center, the Knoxville Urban League and the Career Center at University Avenue.
In addition, volunteers host annual fall and spring flings, where seminars on interview techniques are offered, clothing is given away to make way for the new season's styles, and makeovers and manicures are provided.
When it comes to the program's success rate, it's hard to argue with the numbers. In 2006, 62 percent of the 230 clients served found jobs. St. James Parish Administrator Marilyn Canady has seen the program from two perspectives. Prior to her current position, she worked at the Tennessee Technology Center.
"All the women who come here have nothing in terms of interview clothes," Canady said. "When they leave, you see such grateful smiles."
Donations of in-season pants suits or skirt suits, along with dressy blouses, are always welcome. Clothes should be clean and ready to be worn. (There's a particular need for both small and large sizes.) Items can be dropped off at St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Broadway weekdays 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
For more about St. James' Career Closet ministry
North Knox columnist Terry Shaw may be reached at tshaw05@comcast.net.