Jackets For Jobs
Jackets For Jobs (JFJ) is a non-profit organization established in compliance with the 501(c) Internal revenue code. JFJ is located in Detroit, Michigan and services both the inner city and Metro Detroit areas, offering employment etiquette skills, career skills training, and professional attire to low-income job seekers.
Alison Vaughn, the founder
In 1989 Alison Vaughn graduated from Michigan State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree.Upon graduating from MSU, Alison pursued studies at The Women's Campaign School of Yale University.After graduating from The Women's Campaign School, Alison then sought out employment at United Airlines taking on the responsibility of interviewing and hiring flight attendants in which she later became herself. In 1999 after a period of 20 years Alison is re-united with her sister Cheryl. Six months later Cheryl passes away from cancer. Soon after Alison finds out that her sister was living with the assistance of Welfare . In 2000 Alison establishes the non-profit organization Jackets For Jobs in tribute to her sister. She wanted to do something to help people whose situations are similar to that of her sister. She decided to dedicate her life to the cause of helping people in need within her community. Throughout the years JFJ became well established through T.V. shows such as The View, Oprah Winfrey Show, Today Show, and The Apprentice..
Services
JFJ's purpose is to provide professional clothing to men and women that are in need of professional attire. Clients receive one fully accessorized suit for interviewing needs, as well as two additional outfits upon securing of the new job.
Services for women
::*Clothing for both interview and work.
::*hygiene and appearance counseling.
::*Toiletry, cosmetic and fragrances.
::*Accessories such as handbags, hats, gloves, jewelry, scarves, etc.
Services for men
::*Clothing for both interview and work.
::*Hair cuts and consultation on hygiene .
::*Accessories such as socks,shoes or underwear.
Self-assurance/confidence training and personal assistance
::*All their clients meet with staff members to personally assist them in picking out clothing to best fit their needs. Every client is then coached on proper interview etiquette and given tips to help them throughout the interviewing process. Their clients are also taught career skills and how to write a successful resume.
Operations
Jackets for Jobs, Inc is funded by Detroit Workforce Development Department, Black United Fund of Michigan, TJ Maxx, Corporations, Foundations and individuals. Volunteers are also used.
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Volunteers-There are three main tasks that volunteers help facilitate.
:*Sorting Garments that come in to Jackets for Jobs.
:*Assist clients with choosing the best suit for them.
:*PR/Marketing Committee member
Jackets for Jobs will accept all donations, though non-professional clothing is donated to shelters or other affiliated non-profit organizations. Furthermore, JFJ accepts all clothing sizes from 2 to 26, offering anything that pertains to a man or a woman that they may need to obtain a job. Organizations, and automotive companies have carried out clothing drives for JFJ such as Merrill Lynch, Dow Corning, Delphi, Make-A-Wish Foundation,Women In Defense,GM, and Chrysler.
Time line
::*2000- In March Allison Vaughn starts a non-profit organization she names Jackets for Jobs in a donated area within the confines of Little Rock Baptist Church in Detroit,MI
::*2002- JFJ partners with Detroit Employment & Training Department and becomes a Michigan Works! Affiliate. It is then linked with over 50 different local based job employment services. Also this year Alison Vaughn is invited to the Oprah Winfrey Show regarding makeovers.
::*2003- JFJ is 1 of 4 non-profit organizations selected nationwide to be featured on The View for a special show entitled My Home Town Hero.
::*2005- JFJ is 1 of 5 non-profit organizations selected nationwide to be featured on the Today Show for Lend A Hand Charity special. The mens department is also launched this year with the help from former Detroit Pistons player Derrick Coleman.
::*2006- Alison Vaughn is selected to represent JFJ's in the honorary daily closing of the Nasdaq market.
::*2007- TJ Maxx an affiliate of TJX partners with JFJ's and donates over $1,000,000 in clothing and assist in the make over of their Fort Street location.
::*2009- JFJ featured on Fox2 news Job Shop special.
Notable contributors
Many prominent and famous people have made contributions to the JFJ organization such as: Mariah Carey (Entertainer), Carolyn Clifford (TV Anchor, WXYZ Channel 7),Derrick Coleman (Professional Athlete), Frankie Darcell (Radio Personality, FM92.3 WXMD), Denise Ilitch (Business Owner), Carlita Kilpatrick (First Lady, City of Detroit), Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (Honorable Congresswoman), Queen Latifah (Entertainer), Brenda Lawrence (Mayor, City of Southfield), Maryann Mahaffey (Council President), Shaun McPhail (Legal Counsel, City of Detroit), Shaun Robinson (Access Hollywood), Judge Craig Strong (Wayne County Judge), Robbie Timmons (TV Anchor, WXYZ Channel 7),Donald Trump (Real-estate Mogul), Rhonda Walker (TV Anchor, WDIV Channel 4).
JFJ's Guardian Angels
The following people have dedicated much time and amenities to and for JFJ. Br. Francis Boylan is the President of Holy Cross Children Services, who allowed Alison Vaughn to have one of two locations there. Rosa Parks niece, Rhea McCauley, connected JFJ with T.J. MAXX Judge Cylenthia L. Miller (Judge at 36 district court)