Our Programs
Interview Attire Program
Desert Best Friend's Closet partners and collaborates with other agencies in the Coachella Valley to provide interview-appropriate attire at no cost to individuals seeking employment who do not have the means to buy such attire themselves. All Interview Attire Program clients are referred from partnering referral agencies, both governmental and private. All of our services are provided at no charge to the client.
All clients receive one-on-one wardrobe and image education services from trained volunteers. At Desert Best Friend's Closet, clients receive focused service in a boutique-like environment that treats everyone with dignity and respect. Desert Best Friend's Closet’s educational component is an integral part of its program. Clients leave not only with suitable clothing but also with the knowledge of how to dress appropriately. This increases our clients’ confidence and enables them to make positive first impressions at job interviews.
We operate on an appointment basis only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Program Goals
- Assist clients in gaining employment by making a positive first impression at a job interview and then having the ability to dress appropriately at the workplace
- Assist clients in achieving economic independence through employment
Our Objectives
- Provide each client with up to three outfits appropriate for job interviews and workplace situations.
- 95% of clients will report that they know how to dress professionally
- 100% of clients will report being treated with dignity and respect
Bridge to Employment
Desert Best Friend’s Closet’s
Interview Attire Program enables clients to make a positive first impression at job interviews. But we discovered that clients need more than professional attire to secure employment, so we created Bridge to Employment Program to complement our Interview Attire Program. Bridge to Employment teaches clients how to conduct a successful job search.
Topics include:
- where and how to conduct a job search
- transferable skills
- master application
- resume building
- interview preparation
- mock interviews with business professionals, including feedback
Our clients are getting hired! Watch this video: https://youtu.be/NfBE6SqRqEk
"Warriors to Work" Veterans Initiative
Desert Best Friend's Closet's "Warriors to Work" initiative provides interview attire to any United States Veteran* seeking employment and residing in Riverside County. Interested Veterans may call
760-776-9975 to schedule a wardrobe appointment. Veterans may also participate in our
Bridge to Employment program if they need help with their resumes, interview skills, or job search techniques.
Desert Best Friend's Closet (DBFC) recognizes the enormous sacrifice of our Veterans and military families, who have borne the full burden of our safety and the nation’s defense. This is a client population that is underserved in Riverside County, and DBFC would like to change that.
Proof of Veteran status is required by showing a DD214 or Veteran ID card.
Youth Attire Program
With help from the
Anderson Children's Foundation, Desert Best Friend's Closet (DBFC) is now able to provide professional attire to Coachella Valley high school students.
There are so many times in your busy schedule when casual clothes just won't do. Whether it's for your job or internship or a school club event, sometimes you need to meet a professional dress code. Obtaining the right clothes can be difficult and expensive.
Click
HERE to start the process of scheduling an appointment for wardrobe services. The link will lead you to a survey.
Kindly note that ALL clients MUST have an appointment, no walk-ins are accepted!
Males may receive a suit or slacks, dress shirt, necktie, shoes, and belt. Females have a choice of suit, dress, slacks, skirt, blouse, jacket, shoes, and bras. Clothing choices may vary depending on available sizes and the activity's dress code.
Military Ball Gown Program
This year, Desert Best Friend's Closet is proud to partner with ASYMCA and hold our Ball Gown Giveaway on the base at 29 Palms on Saturday, September 29/ To register for this event, contact the ASYMCA on the base.
Honor a Military family by donating a dress! We need contemporary ball gowns, prom, bridesmaid and fancy party dresses for this event. We also need shoes, wraps, evening bags and "bling" (jewelry). Please, no dresses with stains, tears or broken zippers. We do not have funds for dry cleaning. All dresses must be cleaned, on a hanger and ready to wear. There is a high demand for dresses in sizes 14 or larger, but we value and need ALL sizes of gowns.
Don't have a dress to donate? No worries! Consider giving a monetary donation which we will use to purchase plus-sized gowns.
Prom Dress Program
We are so happy to announce the Prom Dress Giveaway dates for 2022!
Desert Recreation District manages the program:
Where & When?
Friday, March 11/Viernes 11 de Marzo 2:00pm to 8:00pm at Mecca Community Center, 65-250 Coahuila Street, Mecca
Friday, March 18//Viernes 18 de Marzo 2:00pm to 8:00pm at the Palm Desert Community Center 43-900 San Pablo, Palm Desert
Friday, March 25/Viernes 25 de Marzo 2:00pm to 8:00pm at the Bagdouma Park Community Center, 51-251 Douma Street, Coachella
Friday, April 1/ Viernes 1 de Abril, 2:00pm to 7:00pm at the Indio Teen Center, 81-678 Ave 46, Indio
How?
Make an appointment for your dress fitting by emailing / manda un correo electronico a
promdressgiveaway@drd.us.com
Valid High School ID is required to receive a dress. / Una identification valida de la high school es requerida para recibir un vestido.
While we make every effort to have enough dresses in a variety of sizes and styles, they are offered on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
For more information or to register, visit
MyRecreationDisctrict.com or call
760-347-3484
Honor a Young Woman by Donating a Dress!
We need contemporary prom, bridesmaids, and fancy party dresses for this event. We also need shoes, wraps, evening bags, and "bling" (jewelry). Please, no dresses with stains, tears, or broken zippers. All dresses must be cleaned, on a hanger, and ready to wear. We need both long and short dresses. There is a high need for dresses in sizes 14 or larger.
Bras for a Cause
Desert Best Friend’s Closet discovered that many of our female clients have a significant need for well-made women’s undergarments, particularly bras. Well-made bras are expensive, yet necessary for a woman to look her best. Desert Best Friend’s Closet seeks “gently used” bras, camisoles, and slips. Most women own a few bras that they may have worn only once or twice but never wear again because they don't fit or feel right. We want those bras!
Has Your Bra Size Changed?
Bra sizes can change for many reasons. We accept them all! Donate your bras and support women in need in the Coachella Valley. We give away bras to each of our female wardrobe clients. We have a need for sizes 42 and larger. All sizes are welcome!
Curious about one of our programs? Call (760) 568-1238 to discuss how we can help!