Making a Difference
Haywood County, NC.
By: Rex Hodge – Original copy at: ABC13 News
There’s a much bigger wardrobe now at the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office.
Nonprofit Suits for Success donated more than 400 lightly used and new suits for parolees to wear when they’re released or going to a job interview. The clothes are provided free and are designed to provide appropriate attire for men and women as they re-enter society, looking to build a new livelihood.
Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility
The Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility has partnered up with Suits for Success to help former inmates land jobs.
By: Jessica Madhukar – Original copy at: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/how-a-local-detention-facility-is-giving-former-inmates-a-second-chance
After parolees are released they’re taken into a large room now turned into a closet with racks of business wear with everything from suits to socks.
“I don’t think it’s something they come in here thinking they’re gonna get, they don’t expect it. But when it’s offered to them, they take it and the smile on their face makes it worth it. They don’t have anything but the clothes on their backs,” said Deputy Christopher Evans.
In the last year through this partnership, the facility has been able to secure more than 2,000 donations of clothing helping over 200 individuals.
Expanding In Wisconsin
A couple of photos from a location in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility. We are happy to serve in helping parolees there!
We have added Wisconsin to the prisons in Illinois in our efforts to give parolees a better chance of getting employment. Men’s clothes are still delivered to the State of Illinois prisons, but the women’s prisons in Illinois are full to capacity. We approached Wisconsin and were quickly accepted. Currently, we serve Milwaukee High Security, Sturtevant, Racine Correctional, Oak Hill Correctional, Kenosha Correctional, Robert Ellsworth Correctional, and Kettle Moraine Correctional Institutions.
Donors – Commonwealth Edison
Commonwealth Edison an Exelon Company Provides Donation.
Sheriff James Mendrick Welcomes Clothing Closet Expansion For Female Inmates
Video by Naperville’s NC17 Visit Website
Suits For Success provides women’s clothing for a New Dupage Correctional Center Program For Women offering appropriate free attire.
A variety of business, business casual, and casual clothes were donated for inmates to have proper seasonal clothing upon release and for court appearances.
“That appearance of someone in an orange jumpsuit is always negative, that’s a negative appearance. So a lot of times that can create predispositions on people and what people think of them just as they go through these processes,” said DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. “So going in a normal set of clothes or a suit, it commands more respect.”
“It’s really important that we help these inmates get back on their feet, become a contributing member of our society,” said Tim Ford, a Suits for Success board member.
Video by Daily Herald Visit Channel
Other Resources:
Video by Daily Herald Visit Channel
Story by NC17 Visit Page
Story by WBBM News Radio Visit Page
Mike Beary & Sheriff James Mendrick Welcomes Suits For Success To Dupage County Jail
Video by Naperville’s NC17 Visit Website
Suits For Success provides clothing for a New Dupage Jail Program offering appropriate free attire for inmates going into the workforce.
“We’re trying to help – Do our small part in getting them jobs. We want an equal playing field for any parolee that is interviewing for the job. With appropriate clothing, when they walk in they have confidence, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Bill Denwood President of Suits for Success
It’s all about trying to help inmates with rehabilitation and moving forward after paying their debt to society.
“This is just another arrow in the quiver. As I said, now they’re dressed for success. They’ve been here, they’ve done the work, they’re successful, they’ve graduated the programs, and then this is the next step of success where they can look the part they can go work in DuPage. Mike Beary is already lining up jobs for these gentlemen and now they can look the part. This is what rehabilitation is really about, ” said James Mendrick, Sheriff at DuPage County.
Photos by Bill Ackerman Visit Website
Video by CBS 2 Chicago Visit Website
On To Wisconsin
In addition to Illinois, we have added Wisconsin to our efforts of providing clothing to parolees. In June we took over 700 clothes to the Wisconsin Women’s prison in Union Grove.
We have added Wisconsin to the prisons in Illinois in our efforts to give parolees a better chance of getting employment. Men’s clothes are still delivered to the State of Illinois prisons, but the women’s prisons in Illinois are full to capacity. We approached Wisconsin and were quickly accepted. Currently, we serve Milwaukee High Security, Sturtevant, Racine Correctional, Oak Hill Correctional, Kenosha Correctional, Robert Ellsworth Correctional, and Kettle Moraine Correctional Institutions.
Photos by Bill Ackerman Visit Website
Donors – Daniel George
Daniel George Custom Suit Maker Provides Donation Of Suits.
A giant thank you to Daniel George! The suits will help parolees look professional and ready for their new life. It’s amazing how proper attire can help them secure work, lift their heads and bring confidence. Your gift will make a difference in dozens of lives. We are honored to be blessed by a company like yours. Thank you!!
Donors – LiftMaster – Chamberlain Group
Thank you to the Chamberlain Group and LiftMaster for Supporting Donations.
We would like to thank the Chamberlain Group and LiftMaster for their generous support. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of people in our community, and with those who we serve. We appreciate your gift. Thank you!
Chamberlain Group (CGI) is a global leader in access solutions and products. As the corporate parent company to LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Merlin and Grifco, offering residential garage door openers, commercial door operators and gate entry systems. Their products are connected through our innovative myQ technology which empowers users to control or monitor their entry points through smartphone access. They are also the parent company to Controlled Products Systems Group, the largest wholesale distributor of perimeter access control equipment in the U.S. and an affiliate of Systems, Inc., one of North America’s leading dock leveler manufacturers. https://www.chamberlain.com/ https://www.liftmaster.com/
Donors – Robert Half
Robert Half Provides Donation Of Clothing From Annual Suit Drive.
Wow, a giant donation of suits and clothing from Robert Half on their annual clothing drive. Thank you!!
What a pleasure to be selected as a recipient of clothing. It is also very exciting in that Robert Half helps people find employment. A very sweet tie-in indeed. Thanks for your generosity and caring for those in the community through Suits for Success.
Robert Half connects employers & job seekers to staff positions in finance, law, technology & more. Robert Half is a global human resource consulting firm based in Menlo Park, California founded in 1948. It is a member of the S&P 500, and is credited as being the world’s first and largest accounting and finance staffing firm, with over 345 locations worldwide. https://www.roberthalf.com/
Kewanee – Illinois Department of Corrections
Thank you to the Kewanee Correctional Facility Illinois Department of Corrections for helping and distribute clothing to all the Illinois correctional facilities. We could never do it without you. Thnak you!!
Donors – Sharing Connections in Naperville
Sharing Connections Provides Suits For Success With Generous Clothing Donations.
A heartfelt thank you to the Sharing Connections Team for their support of our donor program. We love your heart for Vets and those in need.
Sharring Connections is a non-profit to benefit veterans. Vets can can recieve as much furniture as they want (one time). Generous supporters donate furniture and clothes. Overflow clothing is sent on to Suits for Success to help ne parolees. Sharing connections is our number one source of clothing. Thank You Sharing Connections!!
Donors – Woodridge United Methodist Church
Woodridge United Methodist Church.
Many thanks to the Woodridge Methodist Church, one of our longest supporters who have provided donations and have uplifted us in kindness and generosity. WUMC has been a rock that has allowed us to take those early steps in doing something great. Thank you for the donations, support, and prayers!
Donors – Willow Creek Care Center
Willow Creek Care Center Provides Suits For Success With Large Clothing Donations.
A heartfelt thank you to the Willow Creek Care Center for their support of our donor program. Many women and men will be impacted by your generosity.
Donors – First Methodist Church of LaGrange
First Methodist Church of LaGrange.
Many thanks to the First Methodist Church in LaGrange for the many donations, words of encouragement and prayer by your congregation. Your helping hand has allowed us to take those early steps in doing something great. Thank you!
Donors – First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange
First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange.
We love the big hearts and giant generosity shown by the members of this Church. Our sincere thanks for all you have done to help us grow this important program.
WAND TV Channel 17 in Decatur Illinois
Suits for Success helping parolees get back on their feet.
WAND Channel 17 Story by Meredith Hackler or see Meredith on Facebook.
May thanks to Meredith, the production team at WAND, Suits for Success team members, and Warden Gomez at the Sheridan Correctional Center.
Illinois Department of Corrections
Thank you to the Illinois Department of Corrections for the shoutout on Facebook. Best wishes for Edward as he searches for new employment, he looks fantastic! See Facebook Post Here
Give Today – Help Us Change The Future For a Parolee
Your gifts help us cover our most basic operating costs like fuel for clothing delivery to prisons. 100% of your donation goes to the mission, no Volunteers or Board Members receive compensation. Suits for Success is a registered 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
Suits for Success
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
P.O. Box 5684
Woodridge, IL 60517
Our ambitious goal is to provide clothing appropriate for a job search.
The gift of a dress shirt, pants, nearly new casual shirt for men, or an outfit for women, can help create a better first impression in that first interview or first return home.