CLEARFIELD - Central PA Community Action (CPCA) has been awarded two grants from the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) in order to provide the “Working Wardrobe” program in both Clearfield and Bellefonte.
“Working Wardrobe” not only promotes, but also helps ensure the economic independence of individuals who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and or food stamps by providing professional attire for job interviews and specific clothing necessary for employment in lieu of a special allowance for clothing from the County Assistance Office (CAO) or Employment and Training Contractor.
All referrals for the program will be made through the CAO in each county. The “Working Wardrobe” will officially open in both counties, on August 1.
At each location, a “Working Wardrobe Specialist” will assist clients with the selection of an interview suit or specific clothing and accessories necessary to be successful at an interview or on the job site. They will also be trained to help build self-esteem during the ‘suiting’ by making recommendations regarding appearance, showing enthusiasm toward the client’s achievement with securing employment/training and having a general discussion regarding interview preparation.
CPCA is requesting donations from the public and clothing businesses in the communities of new and “slightly used” business attire for consumers of the program. All clothing donations should be new and or “ready to wear.” The clothing must also be dry cleaned and a current style that includes interview suits, business attire and other specific clothing needed to participate in employment or an approved training program.
CPCA will also be welcoming volunteers from the community to help with the organization of the wardrobe and solicitation of donations.
CPCA has been providing services to Centre and Clearfield counties for over 40 years. Community Action was initially established on November 14, 1965 and was incorporated as Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc. (CPCA) on December 14, 1967. The organization embarked on providing services to families and individuals with low to moderate incomes in Centre and Clearfield counties. Today, there are six outreach office locations: Clearfield, DuBois, Bellefonte, Houtzdale, Philipsburg and Millheim. With locations throughout the two counties, CPCA looks to is “strengthen communities by helping families and individuals to become self-sufficient.”
Last year, CPCA served over 16,000 unduplicated individuals through its vast array of services. CPCA’s primary services include housing services, rental housing, case management, food services, heating and utility assistance, employment and training, consumer information and referral and transportation services.
For more information about CPCA or the “Working Wardrobe,” please contact Christine Luzier at 814-765-1551.
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