Success of “Dress to Impress” Pop Up Thrift Store Extends Career Support to Client Closets
11/12/2025 • 3 weeks ago
In October, the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) hosted a successful "Dress to Impress" free thrift store event, open to Cambridge residents between the ages of 18 and 40 who participate in programs offered by OWD, including Cambridge Works, Next Up, and the Cambridge Employment Program. Participants in the College Success Initiative and part-time Cambridge Youth Programs staff were also invited to attend. During the event, clients browsed a variety of lightly worn, high-quality professional clothing donated by staff in the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) and The Spot, a Cambridge resource for free clothing and goods.
OWD provides career support and preparation for Cambridge residents through workshops, job fairs, resume and interview preparation, career exploration programs, and job training programs. Staff help clients overcome barriers to employment and aim to ensure that job placements are intentional and supportive of their clients’ career goals.
“We felt inspired to put this event together after noticing that clients didn’t always have the necessary attire for their internships or jobs,” explains Nadia Davila, who conceived of the event with colleagues Rayana Ferej and Maya Hide. “We were noticing that clients did not always feel prepared or confident in their clothing or had to spend close to an entire paycheck to supplement their wardrobe.”
To address this professional need, OWD staff spearheaded the free thrift store pop-up event. In planning for the event, staff drew on strong partnerships within DHSP and with local employers: garment racks were donated through the collaboration of Cambridge Recreation and Cambridgeside Galleria, OWD’s long-time employer partner. The Cambridge Senior Center provided space for the event, and staff across DHSP donated ties, shirts, slacks, blazers, dresses, shoes, and accessories.
After OWD staff thoughtfully sorted through donations and carefully arranged the space, the Dress to Impress Free Thrift Store opened on October 28. The event began with a networking workshop led by Josh Foley, OWD’s Business Services Coordinator. Clients then perused curated selections for their professional wardrobe. Find It Cambridge donated bags so that clients could easily take home their items and also provided pamphlets detailing helpful resources in Cambridge.
The following day, OWD hosted a Government Job Fair, attended by more than 130 job-seekers. Several attendees wore professional clothing they selected at the thrift store event. “Going to the Dress to Impress event and the Government Job Fair was a very special experience for me. I felt confident in my new outfit, and ready to take the next step in my job search,” says one OWD client. “I met new people, learned about job opportunities, and felt more hopeful about my future. This experience showed me that when we get help and kindness from others, we can keep going and make life better for our families.”
Dress to Impress showcases how OWD’s dedicated and creative staff provide wraparound support to help clients pursue their career goals. OWD hopes the free thrift store will become an annual event that can serve more residents engaged in career training programs.
For more information about OWD, visit www.cambridgema.gov/OWD.
Top Photo: "Dress to Impress" attendees browsed a selection of neckties.
Bottom Photo: Two job-seekers attended the Government Job Fair wearing professional clothing they selected at the "Dress to Impress" event.