Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s 2018 spring Clothes for a Cause Clothing Drive was a huge success, with attorneys, staff and clients digging deep into their hearts and closets—to support those in need.
This was Brownstein’s third annual Firmwide Karma Clothing Drive—presented in partnership with the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). Historically, the clothing drive collected only women’s clothing and accessories, with all items being donated to Dress for Success. This year, Brownstein invited male colleagues and clients to participate—and they rose to the occasion, donating scores of suits, dozens of dress shirts and tons of ties. In fact, the firm donated enough professional clothing, shoes and accessories to fill dozens of walk-in closets.
In addition, each of the firm’s offices selected local nonprofit organizations to receive their donated items, which went to help people working to achieve economic stability through secure employment: military veterans, individuals exiting the judicial system, victims of domestic violence, low-income individuals and more.
Here’s a quick roundup of the great nonprofit organizations that benefitted from this year’s drive:
- HELP New Mexico was the beneficiary in Albuquerque. For more than 51 years, HELP New Mexico has provided services—including adult education, job training and job placement—to more than 950,000 low-income individuals and families.
- Brownstein’s Denver and Las Vegas offices continued to donate their women’s items to Dress for Success, an international nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools needed to help women thrive in work and in life.
- The men’s clothing donated in Denver went to the Boots to Suits program. Boots to Suits helps veterans transition from the military to the classroom and then from the classroom to the workforce. This program is committed to helping veteran students at the University of Colorado Denver achieve their academic and career goals through peer-to-peer mentoring, mental wellness support, tutoring, scholarships and professional development.
- In Las Vegas, the men’s items went to HOPE for Prisoners, which facilitates reentry and reintegration services to men, women and young adults who are exiting various segments of the judicial system. The program is grounded in the belief that with the proper assistance, ex-offenders returning to the community can overcome the many barriers to successful living that the incarceration experience can create.
- The Los Angeles office donated their items to two great organizations: Clothes the Deal provides business attire to low-income individuals, empowering them to interview with dignity and confidence as they seek to achieve economic self-sufficiency through gainful employment. U.S. VETS works to ensure the successful transition of military veterans and their families by providing housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support.
- Unity Shoppe’s Job Smart Program received Santa Barbara’s donated items. Job Smart assists people in putting their best foot forward when meeting with employers. Low-income men, women and youth who are actively seeking employment are provided with appropriate interview attire so that they can compete with others who may have more financial resources.
- In Washington, D.C., donations went to A Wider Circle’s Workforce Development Program, which is a holistic, intensive and highly personalized approach to preparing adults to enter the workforce and advance their careers. In addition to one-on-one job coaching and employer partnerships, more than 2,000 individuals receive professional attire and accessories each year.