Looking, feeling the part

Gabriel Cantu never wore a suit in his life.

That changed when Working Wardrobes hooked him up with a new suit, two ties, two pairs of pants, a pair of shoes and a belt.

The 24-year-old said he felt different when he put on the suit.

“I felt good about myself,” he said. “When I put it on, I felt good and confident.”

Now his chances at finding a job are much better, Cantu said.

That’s what Jerri Rosen had in mind when she started Working Wardrobes, a charity that just moved to a new home in Costa Mesa from Fountain Valley. She wanted to help those who aren’t so lucky get back on their feet, feel good about themselves, find a job and take charge of their lives.

About 20 years ago, Rosen and a few of her girlfriends looked to help women victimized by domestic violence. Rosen and friends had their own careers and did well for themselves. But they knew that abused women needed help. Rosen couldn’t let herself be a bystander.

“A woman who’s a victim of domestic violence basically lives with the clothes on her back,” Rosen said. “We thought we could help women refine their marketable skills to feel more confident and get her thinking about a career move.”

Rosen began with what she calls a day of self esteem. On that day, she helped 67 women obtain professional clothes. Then she realized that helping others wasn’t a once-a-year act of giving. She began thinking of also assisting men in taking charge of their lives. Today, Working Wardrobes is a daily endeavor that reaches out to more than 5,000 people a year.

The name might be Working Wardrobes, but it’s not just about professional attire.

It’s much more, Rosen said.

“We call the Working Wardrobes everything the serious job seeker needs to be successful in the job search and on the job,” she said.

The organization offers career development seminars and a computer lab for individuals to prepare their resumes. There’s also a salon where women can get their hair and makeup done and men can get a haircut.

Working Wardrobes held an open house Thursday to celebrate its new home. This marks Working Wardrobes’ 15th move since its establishment. The nonprofit had to leave its Fountain Valley location because the building it leased was sold. Rosen said she plans to make this her last move.

“This truly is a business community, which is the ideal community for us,” Rosen said. “We have some wonderful opportunities for growth now that we are in Costa Mesa.”

Working Wardrobes has been a long-time partner with Phoenix House, an addiction rehabilitation center in Santa Ana. Residents at Phoenix House volunteer their time at Working Wardrobes, in exchange for getting career development seminars and new professional attire, Rosen said.

Working Wardrobes is also supported by resale boutiques in Brea, Laguna Niguel and Tustin. The Hanger boutiques provide a way for Working Wardrobes to thrive by reselling clothes.

“We love people to give us clothes, and we have a need for money like any nonprofit organization,” Rosen said. “It’s a great place to invest your dollar because people are going to get back to work and make our community a more productive place.”

Rosen’s organization works with Men’s Warehouse to help male job seekers dress for interviews.

Cantu, who lost his job and then his apartment a few months ago, said he’s going to put on his new suit and go job hunting.

After all, he said, appearance makes the first impression.

How To Help

Working Wardrobes is always looking for help and volunteers. For more information, call (714) 210-2460. You can also drop off gently worn, clean and hanged clothes at 3030 Pullman St., Costa Mesa.