Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell donated two car loads of smart casual clothing and business attire totaling more than 150 articles of clothing to St. Francis House in Boston through the "Suits for Success" program, May 16.
The often-taken-for-granted suit or dress clothes hidden away in the back closet and only occasionally seeing the light of day may seem to some like an unfortunate necessity. However, for those looking to regain self-sufficiency, quality clothing can be that extra push they need and help them on the path to success.
"These clothes will be put to good use and appreciated by the thousands who come to St. Francis House each year for a fresh pair of clothes in times of need," said Keri Thomas, St. Francis House Vice President of Programs and Services. "It is so valuable and necessary in getting individuals ready for the next step and help them to become more independent."
St. Francis House’s mission is to rebuild lives by providing refuge and pathways to stability for adults experiencing homelessness and poverty. They aim to transform lives using a holistic approach to understanding and addressing behavioral health, housing, and employment needs.
Register O’Donnell remarked, "We’re happy to assist St. Francis House. I thank all those who donated to our ‘Suits for Success’ program, and I hope other local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation. The program is truly needed, and it’s a great resource for the community."
St. Francis House has been aiding the community since 1984. They provide a range of services, including clinical care, behavioral health services, and job counseling. They also offer food, clothing, and affordable and low-threshold housing to those in need.
"Donations like this help ensure the physical and emotional safety of our guests and assist in the process of changing the trajectory of their lives and moving beyond homelessness," said Thomas. "It offers choices to people who have had total control of their lives taken away, and this is the final touch that can help individuals land a job and help them on their path to becoming self-sufficient.
Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has collected more than 10,000 articles of clothing.
The "Suits for Success" program, developed by Register O’Donnell, partners with groups like Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish’s Thrifty Threads, St. Francis House in Boston, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, and InnerCity Weightlifting on our ‘Suits for Success’ program to assist those who are in need of clothing as well as household items. The mission of "Suits for Success" is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals who may need appropriate attire for employment interviews.
"During the past decade, we have learned that programs like ‘Suits for Success’ work," said O’Donnell. "This program has given many people a valuable resource to help them on the path to success and may ultimately help them achieve self-sufficiency. It is rewarding just to help others in our community who are less fortunate.”
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The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.
Register O'Donnell’s “Suits for Success” Program Donates to Boston’s St. Francis House
