Poised For Success

What a lot of meaning that title has for me. I believe I'm poised for my own success while looking at an organization by the same name. Poised For Success is an organization that helps women on welfare find business clothing that will allow them to go on interviews and work at a job dressed appropriately. The business clothing are all donations.

The orientation was very interesting last night and I realized on the way home that I was excited about working with them. Their facility is set up like a small boutique. Very orderly and had a bit of a sophisticated feel for a place that's non profit. There were different rooms for different purposes, all very clearly laid out by size and color. The first room was where the interviewing business suits are picked out. They receive one or two suits. There is a room for selecting an additional three outfits after they've gotten the job. A room with blouses and accessories, like handbags, belts, jewelry, scarves displayed beautifully. Then a room with shoes.

I was particularly drawn towards inventory management and client services, although I have to admit I was a bit nervous because I don't have retail experience. Inventory management takes place every Wed. from 10am - 6pm. This is when the clothes are at their second check point. They are checked for quality, the shape they're in and whether they're business appropriate. They're sorted, tagged and put away. The women sit at a table in the back of the building and sort. I thought this would be a good opportunity to meet other women and touch & be around clothes.

Client services involves meeting one on one with the client. The client's ages usually range from late 20s to early 30s. This is where the outfits are selected and coordinated with accessories. The important part here is how the women are treated, they are usually broken at this point. It's important to talk with them about their children, what kind of job they're looking for and what they're interested in. Looking to build them up. Being new to this, they would have me shadow someone until I'm comfortable.

Gail Fisher, from Poised For Success, already called and left me a message thanking me for coming to the orientation and letting me know she'd email about setting up times to come in. I am really excited to see how this plays out in my life. I feel I would love being a part of this. I also like that you can do as little or as much as you want. A perfect starting place!