Commitment to Social Justice

Statement from The Wardrobe’s Board of Directors 

Affirming Our Commitment to Social Justice
Adopted April 2021, Revised June 2022

The Wardrobe is a place that does not and will not tolerate intimidation, hate, abuse, or violence against people in our community.  We strive to be a welcoming place for all people, especially for those who are being told repeatedly that they do not matter or are not valued.  Systemic racism, gender inequality, and economic injustice contribute to keeping people marginalized in our society, and The Wardrobe’s goal is to help people move to work and independence so that they can fully participate in society and build generational wealth for their families. The Wardrobe is committed to having conversations and engaging in activities that promote economic, racial, and gender equality and equity. 

In the wake of unprecedented attacks – including legislation and court decisions that seek to limit established individual rights based on one’s gender, race/ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation – The Wardrobe continues to be a place where people are safe to be who they are, and those choices are supported.  As we see gender and reproductive rights being eroded on a national and state level along with continued mass shootings, police brutality, hate crimes, and anti-transgender legislation, we want to reinforce we will continue to speak out for justice.  We stand in solidarity with social justice movements and we affirm that Black Lives Matter, we will work to stop Asian hate, we denounce antisemitism, and we hold firm that trans and women’s rights are human rights.

The Wardrobe’s Theory of Change: Combating Inequality and Clothing Insecurity

For people experiencing barriers to employment and independence, clothing insecurity is real. It can mean not having anything to wear or not having the right thing to wear. Both are barriers to advancement.  The Wardrobe provides a stable source of well-maintained and displayed clothing that is suitable for any need, from casual to workwear. While the clothing is available for sale, it is also free to anyone referred, and The Wardrobe consultation experience is priceless.

The Wardrobe’s Theory of Change is grounded in the knowledge that there are systemic barriers related to race, gender identity, and ethnicity that limit advancement in the workplace, accessing educational opportunities, and building generational wealth for families. We seek to help our clients understand the unwritten rules of the workplace while at the same time dismantling these systems to make a more equitable society.

After coming to The Wardrobe, we hope our clients will…

• Build confidence and motivation to continue their job search through professional clothing services and one-on-one support.
• Learn key skills to help obtain employment and build meaningful careers through our professional development opportunities.
• Start to transition off public welfare programs after successfully retaining work and starting down the path to financial independence