Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell donated 10 full suits and more than 40 other articles of business attire to Father Bill's & MainSpring (FBMS) through the "Suits for Success" program during a tour of the construction site for the Yawkey Housing Resource Center on Nov. 17.
'The Suits for Success' Program and Father Bill's & MainSpring share a common goal, which is to provide individuals who are struggling with homelessness or are at risk of homelessness with the opportunity to succeed and find independence," remarked Register O'Donnell. "We're happy to assist Father Bill's & MainSpring with this clothing donation."
The "Suits for Success" program, developed by Register William O'Donnell in partnership with several local charities, collects donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to groups like Father Bill's & MainSpring and to individuals who may need appropriate attire for employment interviews.
During the event, John Yazwinski, president and CEO of FBMS, led Register O'Donnell on a tour of the ongoing construction of the Yawkey Housing Resource Center. The project will consist of two buildings: the first is a resource center, and the other building will consist of 25 to 30 apartments for permanent housing. The Housing Resource Center will include two dormitories, a medical clinic, showers, a laundry area, and a commercial kitchen.
"It means a lot to us to have the support of the local community and to know that others see the value in a project like this," said Yazwinski. "A value that encompasses not only the immediate benefit of offering a place to stay for those who are struggling with homelessness, but also the resources that this facility will provide to assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency."
The Yawkey Housing Resource Center will provide those in need with healthcare, meal services, young adult services, education services, veteran services, and substance abuse treatment.
"Projects like 'Suits for Success' and the future Yawkey Housing Resource Center are truly needed, and it's a great resource for helping people enhance their opportunities in life," said Register O'Donnell.
Since February 2009, the "Suits for Success" program, in partnership with Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & MainSpring of Quincy and Brockton, the Boston Veterans Administration's Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, and InnerCity Weightlifting, has collected more than 9,000 articles of clothing.
"We've learned over the last decade that programs like 'suits for success' work," said Register O'Donnell. "This program has given many people the confidence to take the next step in their lives, and we hope it can continue its successful mission."
To donate to "Suits for Success," individuals may bring their donations of business-appropriate attire for men and women to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Clothing donations must be clean, without stains, in style, on hangers, or neatly folded. The donation may also be placed in either re-usable tote bags or green plastic bags. Suggested donations for men include suits, dress shirts, pants, and ties. Donations for women include suits, dresses, blouses, skirts, and women's dress pants.
"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," said Register O'Donnell. "I feel like this program can truly make a world of difference in someone's life."
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.
