But after 21 years of helping Chicago-area women, The Bottomless Closet has gone out of business.
The Bottomless Closet has served more than 24,000 disadvantaged women providing them with professional attire and career development tools to help thrive in the workforce. The not-for -profit's ceo says the economy forced them to close down.
We decided we could not survive the economic hardships that existed already and hardships that are very likely to happen next year," Bottomless Closet CEO Jude Andrews said.
The spirit of giving is decreasing, according to Andrews. People are not giving the way they used to because they are nervous about the economy, she said.
Non- for –profit organizations close down every year, according to economic strategist George Rosenbaum of Leo J. Shapiro and Associates.
Starting Thursday all clients of Bottomless Closet will have continued access to the same programs through Dress for Success Worldwide in Chicago. The two organizations reached an agreement to provide a seamless transition for the disadvantaged women it served.
"We are glad to provide that transition for all their clients and partners so that Chicago women do not have to go without these services," Director of Central Operations for Dress for Success Worldwide Amanda Flott said.
Sierra Brown is being coached by Dress for Success for an upcoming job interview. They are selecting clothes for her along with accessories to help her make a good first impression.
"It feels great to have contact with someone who is going to help you to make sure you look professional and look comfortable and it really is a boost when you are going into an interview," Brown said. "To have encouraging words, the mock interview really boots up your confidence."
Starting on January 1, Dress for Success will be accepting all of the donations at a warehouse located in the former Bottomless Closet store.
