Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell shows Nolisha Greer, Student Engagement Manager, and Reggie Talbert, Vice President of Community, both from InnerCity Weightlifting, the more than 100 articles of smart casual clothing and business attire availible to be donated through the “Suits for Success” program.
Dedham, MA – Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell recently helped Nolisha Greer, Student Engagement Manager, and Reggie Talbert, Vice President of Community, both from InnerCity Weightlifting, load a truck with more than 100 articles of clothing donated through the "Suits for Success" program, including men’s and women’s suits, smart casual clothing, and business attire.
To some, a suit or dress clothes can seem like an unfortunate necessity that is dragged out of the closet for interviews and special occasions, but for others with a tight budget, it can represent a missed opportunity. For individuals just starting out on the road to success, the high price of a suit can be an insurmountable obstacle.
“A donation like this gives InnerCity Weightlifting the opportunity to help individuals who may not have the money to go buy a suit or dress clothes," said Nolisha Greer, Student Engagement Manager for InnerCity Weightlifting. "When they can come to us, they can use the money they would have spent on clothing to help with food, school, childcare, or other necessities.”
InnerCity Weightlifting, founded in 2010, is a program designed to keep young people off the streets by using its weightlifting and gym facilities to create a community and network of support that encompasses education, job training and employment in the field of personal training.
“I thank all those who donated to our ‘Suits for Success’ program, and on behalf of the many kind and generous Norfolk County citizens, Registry staff and real estate professionals who contributed clothing, it was my pleasure to deliver these critically needed items to InnerCity Weightlifting.” Register O’Donnell continued, “The program is truly needed, and it is a great resource for the community, and I hope other local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation.”
InnerCity Weightlifting's mission is to amplify the voice and agency of people who have been most impacted by systemic racism and mass incarceration. They partner with program participants through case management and educate them on careers in personal training, leadership, and beyond. Individuals are trained to become experts in fitness and on the social issues they've lived.
“When you look good, you feel good; self-esteem is always up when you feel better about yourself and how you look, so walking into a room for an interview looking good and in the right attire can make all the difference,” said Greer.
Since the Registry started the “Suits for Success” program in February 2009, it has collected and distributed more than 10,500 articles of clothing to local non-profit groups throughout southern Massachusetts.
“These clothing donations will make a difference in someone else’s life, and it represents an opportunity for them," said Greer. "We have a lot of students that come in, and they may not have a suit or dress shirts for formal occasions, and this will come in handy for them if they are going on a job interview, internship, or even to a family reunion.”
The “Suits for Success” program, developed by Register O’Donnell, partners with groups like Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish’s Thrifty Threads, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, and InnerCity Weightlifting on our ‘Suits for Success’ program to assist those who are in need of clothing as well as household items. The mission of “Suits for Success” is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals who may need appropriate attire for employment interviews.
“During the past decade, we have learned that programs like ‘Suits for Success’ work,” said O’Donnell. “This program has given many people a valuable resource to aid them on the path to success and if I can help someone on that path, even in this small way, I will do it every time.”