Two longtime leaders in the fight against clothing insecurity and empowering people toward financial independence are merging, as Wings for Success becomes part of The Wardrobe (formerly Career Wardrobe).
As part of The Wardrobe, Wings for Success will be joining a like-minded organization with almost 30 years of success and the resources to broaden impact in Chester County and beyond. While Wings has been serving clients for 25 years, the merger will now allow public resale shopping to support expanding services to provide outfits for work or life to anyone in need in the region. The integrated organization will also expand the Wings for Success education and coaching services throughout the Philadelphia region to help people move to financial independence.
“Few people know that Wings for Success was founded by former Wardrobe volunteers, so this merger is really 25 years in the making,” says The Wardrobe’s Executive Director Sheri Cole. “We are excited to be able to expand our successful model to Chester County and make an even bigger impact on the lives of people throughout our region. Like food and shelter, clothing is a basic need that no one should have to go without. And now in Chester County, anyone struggling will have access to clothing that helps them look and feel good.”
The Wardrobe is planning a series of events throughout the Spring to celebrate the merger including a grand re-opening to kick off resale on March 11th, an Open Wardrobe Day sponsored by Smart & Sexy™ in honor of Women’s History Month on March 28th, and an Earth Day Community Clothing Drive at ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center in West Chester with textile recycler Helpsy in late April.
Media and guests are invited to help the organization reopen the Chester County sites as The Wardrobe on Monday, March 11. There will be a ribbon cutting (11:30 a.m.) featuring Board members and elected officials followed by special activities throughout the day (12 - 6 p.m.) including raffle prizes, shopping discounts, and refreshments.
Exton Square Mall - 153 Exton Square Parkway (near Boscov’s on 2nd floor), Exton, PA 19341
New Garden Shopping Center - 345 Scarlet Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Founded in 1995 with the mission to bridge the gap by providing professional clothing to women transitioning to work, The Wardrobe is among the nation’s largest agencies working to eliminate clothing insecurity and curb fashion waste. Last year, demand for The Wardrobe’s services increased by 30% and the organization outfitted 6,000 people with the clothing they need to move toward independence.
The Wings for Success name lives on as The Wardrobe’s education and coaching program. Currently offered online and in Chester County, The Wardrobe will expand availability throughout the year to Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.
“Coming together with The Wardrobe will allow us to offer even more services to the communities Wings has served over the years,” says Jill Laufenberg, former Wings for Success who is staying on as Development Director. “By combining our resources, we can do so much more together!”
The organization’s shared resources and mission will empower and outfit people in the community who are working to make ends meet and provide for themselves and their families. By allowing people to donate, volunteer, and shop in Exton and Kennett Square, The Wardrobe will also be able to earn income vital to expanding its impact throughout the region.
About The Wardrobe
The Wardrobe has outfitted more than 100,000 people through its mission to eliminate clothing insecurity and curb fashion waste. Whether it’s workwear for a job search and employment, attire for a life transition, or casual clothing for every day, The Wardrobe believes clothing shouldn’t be a barrier to success. The nonprofit organization outfits 6,000 people annually and partners with 200+ community organizations.
Formerly known as The Career Wardrobe, The Wardrobe was started in 1995 and has locations throughout the Philadelphia region where they can receive personal assistance either in person or virtually by ordering a Wardrobe Box. Each year the nonprofit organization upcycles 200,000+ pounds of gently used and new clothing to provide a stable source of free quality clothing for its participants.
Support The Program: The Wardrobe locations in Philadelphia (413 N. 4th Street) and Delaware County (62 West Marshall Road, Upper Darby) - and now Kennett Square (New Garden Shopping Center, 345 Scarlet Rd, Kennett Square) and Exton (Exton Square Mall, 153 Exton Square Pkwy, Exton) - are open Monday-Saturday from 11-6 p.m. for clothing donations, open shopping, and client appointments. Visit WardrobePA.org to learn how to donate and shop to support your community.
