Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell’s Suits for success program recently donated more than 100 articles of business attire, including 10 full suits, to InnerCity Weightlifting.
To some, a suit or dress clothes can seem like an unfortunate necessity that is dragged out of the closet for interviews and special occasions, but for others with a tight budget, it can represent a missed opportunity. For individuals just starting out on the road to success, the high price of a suit can be an insurmountable obstacle.
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| Register O'Donnell’s “Suits for Success” Program Donates to InnerCity Weightlifting |
“A donation like this provides an opportunity for individuals with financial limitations to have something to wear at a job interview or other formal occasion that they may not other wide have,” said Macdony Charles Program Manager for Inner City Weightlifting.
InnerCity Weightlifting, founded in 2010, is a program designed to keep young people off the streets by using its weightlifting and gym facilities to create a community and network of support that encompasses education, job training and employment in the field of personal training.
“I thank all those who donated to our ‘Suits for Success’ program, and on behalf of the many kind and generous Norfolk County citizens, Registry staff and real estate professionals who contributed clothing, it was my pleasure to deliver these critically needed items to InnerCity Weightlifting.” Register O’Donnell continued, “The program is truly needed, and it is a great resource for the community and I hope other local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation.”
InnerCity Weightlifting's mission is to amplify the voice and agency of people who have been most impacted by systemic racism and mass incarceration. They partner with program participants through case management and educate them on careers in personal training, leadership, and beyond. Individuals are trained to become experts in fitness and on the social issues they've lived.
“Presentation is everything, having a suit or dress-clothes going into an interview can help build confidence,” said Charles.
Since the Registry started the “Suits for Success” program in February 2009, it has collected and distributed more than 11,300 articles of clothing to local non-profit groups throughout southern Massachusetts.
"We have a lot of students that come in, and they may not have a suit or dress shirts for formal occasions, and this will come in handy for them if they are going on a job interview, internship, or even to a family reunion,” said Charles.
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, Needham community council, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish’s Thrifty Threads, St. Vincent de Paul in Plainville, St. Francis House in Boston, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, InnerCity Weightlifting, New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts in Walpole, and The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity of Boston. 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 aid them on the path to success and if I can help someone on that path, even in this small way, I will do it every time.”
If you would like to stay up-to-date on upcoming Registry of Deeds events, programs, and real estate information, you can sign up for our Registry email updates at www.norfolkdeeds.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/norfolkdeeds.
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.org.
