In  the fall of 2008, Desert Best Friend’s Closet (DBFC) surveyed Human Resource representatives in the desert and learned that 85% hesitate to hire someone who is not dressed professionally, 73% believe that sloppily dressed applicants are careless workers, 97% think dress codes improve a company’s public image, and 68% estimate that job applicants lack the financial resources and/or knowledge to dress professionally.  Our Interview Attire program is the solution to this problem. Everyone has usable clothes in their closet that, for whatever reason, they do not wear. What needs to occur, and what does occur with our program, is that unused clothes are made available to residents who need and will use them. This is an innovative, community-based solution where neighbors help neighbors. DBFC is the only agency providing this service  in the greater Palm Springs area.

At first, we operated out of board members’ homes, collecting clothing from friends to redistribute to agencies in need. We were excited to help people, but something was missing–we lacked interaction with those  we were attempting to assist. Two years later, we secured a service site and began providing one-on-one wardrobe and image consultation services to clients. DBFC has helped nearly 2000 clients to since moving into our service site in 2010.

We are confident of the value of our Interview Attire Program but are aware that clients need more than a snappy suit to secure employment. In  2013, we asked our clients what additional services they needed to  better prepare for their job searches. Overwhelmingly, they requested  help with resume writing, job applications, and interview skills.  Consequently, we launched Bridge to Employment Program to complement our Interview Attire Program.

The core goal of these two programs is to help our clients achieve economic  self-sufficiency through employment and to reduce the burden on the public. Whether you can donate a business suit or pair of shoes, or provide financial support, your contribution has a direct impact on our clients and sets them on the path toward employment. Our clients inspire  us with their commitment to a better life for themselves and their families. We are committed to helping them reach their goal of  self-sufficiency.