Bottomless Closet

I have never seen an organization have such a direct and immediate impact on its clients. Bottomless Closet clients leave the boutique feeling empowered and confidant. What’s more is that clients often feel inspired to pay the support forward and join the alumni program. Women helping women is something definitely worth voting for.

Hello,
Volunteering at Bottomless Closet has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This organization is dedicated to empowering women in New York City by providing them with professional attire, resume assistance, and interview coaching. As a volunteer, I have had the opportunity to directly impact the lives of women striving to enter or re-enter the workforce. The supportive and collaborative environment created by the staff and fellow volunteers makes it easy to connect with clients and help them feel confident and prepared for their job search.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of volunteering here is witnessing the transformation in clients' self-esteem as they receive personalized styling advice and one-on-one career coaching. The organization is well-structured, and volunteers are given meaningful tasks that genuinely make a difference. From organizing clothing donations to conducting mock interviews, every moment spent at Bottomless Closet feels purposeful.

The team’s dedication to uplifting women is evident in every interaction, and it’s inspiring to be part of such a positive and impactful mission. Volunteering at Bottomless Closet has not only allowed me to contribute to my community but has also enriched my own personal growth. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Kasturi Kale

I’m a new volunteer and can’t tell you how much I love this organization! The staff, the volunteers and, especially the clients, make me look forward to coming here. The warmth, enthusiasm and dedication of each person who works (including volunteers) is second to none.

As a recent retiree, I was looking for something that I felt could make a difference. I worked as a social worker in mental health and loved the work but, due to family needs, I could no longer work full time. I was fortunate to meet someone who volunteered here and raves about it. And I signed on.

Every client I’ve met so far has come in feeling unsure but after spending a mere 1 1/2 hours with one of the volunteers, they walk out feeling excited and motivated, having received 2 outfits and a review or plan for their work interviews. And it’s very exciting when a client returns, having gotten a job - the staff all applaud her and she walks in (for 3 more outfits!) with a glowing smile on her face. I’ve seen it!

So far, I’ve worked with women of all ages and backgrounds and each and every one of them leaves with a smile on their face and a sense of hope. It makes me feel good to be a part of this.

I have been following Bottomless Closet since experiencing a day of service there with my college alumni program in 2017. I finally became a volunteer this past spring and I continue to be incredibly impressed with this well-run, positive, and life changing organization! Truly inspirational!

I am a Job Coach volunteer at Bottomless Closet and see firsthand each time I am there, the transformation of clients from when they arrive to when they complete their appointment. It is remarkable to see the courage in these women and the way they walk out with a renewed sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities, after working with Coaches to both be both literally outfitted for success and gain skills to secure and maintain employment.

I volunteer for Bottomless Closet on a weekly basis and I watch clients walk away with professional items that fit well and will allow them confidence when they go on their interview or to work. When we discuss their resumes, they thank us for the tips and help through the process, which is difficult for anyone, no less someone who additionally has other challenges to consider in their life.

I am an active volunteer with three nonprofits, and Bottomless Closet is the most gratifying of all. And that's saying something, because I love all three. The opportunity to work with clients, to help them, is intensely rewarding. The other volunteers are friendly, welcoming, engaging. The staff are supremely professional, focused and caring. How lucky am I to have BC in my life.

I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Bottomless Closet for a resume review session with several of their clients. It was awesome to see how determined and dedicated everyone was to elevate their resume to the next level and eventually land their ideal job. Many thanks to Bottomless Closet for all the wonderful, impactful work you are doing for women in NYC!

My organization has been working with Bottomless Closet for a number of years now and I am still in awe of all that they do. They truly care about their clients and have created a warm, welcoming environment that empower women to be the best version of themselves. Bottomless Closet does so much more than just the "closet" - clients can rely on them to foster their skillsets, boost their confidence and just be there for them in whatever way is needed. Bottomless Closet is a true asset whose reach extends beyond the women they work with and positively impacts the entire community.

Bottomless Closet is a truly wonderful organization that works tirelessly to help women in need across New York City. As a career nonprofit professional, I have worked with Bottomless Closet in several different capacities over the years, and now as a former full-time employee, I still support their work as a donor and volunteer. I've come to know the organization and its staff members, volunteers, and board over the last seven years and have witnessed firsthand the impactful work they do each day to help women in need reenter the workforce and achieve success and self-sufficiency. They will always have my support.

I have volunteered at Bottomless Closet for a year now and it's been a hugely rewarding experience. The staff is very focused on providing a safe, welcoming and uplifting environment for the many clients in need of their valuable services -- from professional coaching, to "shopping" in the clothing boutique -- clients of the Bottomless Closet know that they matter and feel empowered. The nonprofit is also a nice community of women volunteers who help each other make the client experience be the best that it can be.

As a volunteer/intern with Bottomless Closet over the summer, I was drawn to the organization's mission of helping underprivileged NYC women get employment. In the office, I was able to see the day-to-day, real-world impact Bottomless Closet's services have on its clients. It was so rewarding to see the look on a client's face when she found the outfit that made her feel the most confident and professional. All the volunteers and staff are kind, helpful, and genuinely care about the work they do. The overall effect is a safe space where everyone's main goal is best serving clients and setting them up for success. I encourage others to get involved with Bottomless Closet so they too can be a part of its impact.

I have been volunteering at Bottomless Closet for about five years now. It has been a privilege to spend one day a week at this amazing place. I look forward to meeting new clients each week and help them on their journeys to successful employment. I see women leave here with smiles on their faces, and much more confidence than when they came in. The staff and volunteers are truly the best people and we all share the same common goals. I don’t know who has benefited more from Bottomless Closet, the clients or me.

Coming in the doors at Bottomless Closet makes you want to meet the next woman and walk her through our place. It’s like a beautiful boutique that specializes in caring. There are clothes and jewelry, and the biggest and best thing we do is connect with the woman who need a little more. We work on interviewing skills and resumes, and I personally share experiences and so do they, about life. Our lives may be very different however people need people that care about people.
I have met a handful of women over the years that had stores that tugged at my heart a little more than others.
We are a group of people that care.

Bottomless Closet had been such an amazing organization. It helps helped me to be the person who I am today by believing in my abilities and doing more for others and setting an example for my children. I have learned so much by the women who are driven, passionate, supportive and kind and has enabled me to give me a boost on accomplishing more for myself I never thought I would be able to do. The workshops are amazing, the women, the team, everything.

A huge THANK YOU!

Bottomless Closet is an incredible organization that changes the lives and creates community. Their passion and perseverance to empower women in NYC, is unstoppable. From the leadership, to the staff and volunteers and the women they support, they all exemplify the mission of this organization. As a partner of Bottomless Closet, we are so grateful for our partnership and are proud and grateful to work with this such a revered organization.

We as a business partnered with the amazing team at Bottomless Closet to host multiple workshops with their clients kicking off in Womens History Month, all i can say is WOW! The impact has been felt and seen by so many. The organization goes above and beyond to support its clients and truly make each individual feel heard and SEEN.
BC are leaders in effort and change, Its been a pleasure working with EVERY SINGLE person on the BC team.

Bottomless Closet is a vital source of economic empowerment for women in the NYC area providing a full suite of services including help with job readiness as well as professional development and personal financial management training. Bottomless Closet transforms the lives of women from diverse backgrounds including women on public assistance, formerly incarcerated, single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, and women living in shelters to support their entry and re-entry into the workforce. Working for Women greatly values our partnership with Bottomless Closet, as we share a common vision that all women achieve economic independence. Bottomless Closet has made and continues to make impactful contributions by creating innovative programming such as the Upskill at Home program and their recent job fair that has helped countless women during the COVID 19 pandemic rebound from unemployment and make strides to get back out into the job market. The leadership team, staff, and volunteers approach their work with a commitment to addressing their clients' needs with compassion and resoluteness. These are all key elements of a great nonprofit!

How do you begin to write a five star review for Bottomless Closet? I have been a volunteer for 61\2 years; my experience has been nothing short of extraordinary, fulfilling and joyous. It has given me a new insight into the struggles so many people face. The dedication and comraderie amongst staff and volunteers are unparalleled; we are a family- all working together toward a common goal- delivering a positive and successful client appointment. The dressing, resume review and coaching, and confidence boosting are vital and always done with the the highest degree of compassion and professionalism. During the pandemic, and even now,
the willingness of so many of our volunteers to go the extra mile by working virtually is heartwarming. Fast forward to the end of the client appointment- a thank you, a smile, and a hug make my day!Kudos to Bottomless Closet! I am so proud to be part of your Team!

It feels so good to be back at Bottomless Closet in person after the Pandemic! Working with clients and and seeing the transformation from when they first arrive for an appointment to when they leave feeling more empowered and confident. And looking beautiful also!

This organization is extremely well organized and the staff so professional. I have so much respect for Bottomless Closet and feel proud to be part of women helping women.

Seeing the work that Bottomless Closet does is so powerful you cannot say no to donating to them. Whether you are donating your time, money, or products for the women they serve, you know that it is being put to good use. I will continue to support Bottomless Closet because they show the impact they are making on NYC women in need.

I've seen the changes that Bottomless Closet makes in womens' lives and how much care and intention goes into what the staff and volunteers do, whether it's providing clothing and accessories, styling, helping with resumes, interview coaching, or connecting clients to other necessary resources. My visits to their office and premises are always invigorating, and I am happy to be a longtime supporter of their mission.

I am an immigrant who landed in NYC alone at 18, with no parents or family to support me. I had to work full-time to afford a bed and food. Along the way, I met incredible women that mentored and coached me. Now it’s my turn to give back; through Bottomless Closets, I have the opportunity to do the same for other women trying to get back into the workforce.

I've volunteered at Bottomless Closet for over nine years; it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.
Bottomless Closet is a happy place; you sense the hope and possibility as soon as you arrive. It’s amazing to see a client sparkle when she looks in the mirror and sees herself in “interview attire.” The clients’ willingness to share their personal journeys and their persistence in embarking on new experiences despite challenges is inspirational. There is joy in seeing a woman “ring the bell” at the front desk when, after getting the job, she returns for more outfits (and excitement in hearing the entire office applaud her success).
Bottomless Closet is a very smartly run organization. The nonprofit has a wonderful training program where new volunteers shadow their more seasoned colleagues for a specific period. This approach forges relationships between volunteers and ensures that the new volunteer experiences the nuances of different approaches.
When the office was closed during COVID, Bottomless Closet supported its constituency by delivering a wide array of free virtual workshops, equipping clients for interviews through remote coaching sessions and “curbside pickup” of professional clothing and making many outreach calls to the most vulnerable clients.
Now, at Bottomless Closet, the innovation and outreach continue. The nonprofit recently conducted its first (and very successful) job fair and still offers remote coaching and online workshops, thus reaching women who cannot come to the office. It’s a privilege to be part of this wonderful and special organization.

I have been a volunteer at Bottomless Closet for 10 years. It is hard to describe the transformation I see from when a Client walks into our office and then leaves about two hours later. We have a fully stocked boutique where we assist in outfitting the client with two outfits to go on their interview, including a handbag, shoes, jewelry, scarves, belts and outer garment. We then assist and edit their resume, as well as coach and answer any questions they have before interviewing for a job. We try to encourage them by talking with them and making them see how unique and special they are. We also offer via Zoom many different classes to enrich the clients lives. They are free and very informative. Over the years, I have been so touched by the many women I have met. By walking into our door, they are taking an important step to better their life. When I leave at the end of the day, I feel like a made a difference in someone’s life. I love volunteering.

I love working with the Bottomless Closet as a volunteer. I am client facing and enjoy working with women trying to break into the workforce or back into the workforce. I deal with many women who have experienced domestic violence and have recently escaped a violent situation and live in shelters. They come in without a smile and very tentative. Throughout the styling and coaching experience I start to see a smile come to a face when they see themselves in a beautiful work appropriate ensemble we have put together. The smile gets bigger as they leave with entire outfits, shoes, jewelry, clothing, a purse for their resume and much more. We then provide them a booklet and a walkthrough of their resume and interview skills. I cherish the smile that ends up on their face and how grateful they are for the full service help. They leave ready for an interview or their new job. I congratulate them on having escaped a dangerous situation and the courage they have already demonstrated to leave. We at BC are the next important step in giving them confidence and skills to move forward. They say “thank you Suzanne you changed my life!” And there is nothing better to hear than that. Seeing them leave with a warm coat for the winter alone can be life changing and we are there to provide this. I thank all the companies and individuals who provide the donations to turn a very sad situation into a life changing 90 minutes! I relish my time volunteering at BC and the ability to change a life and provide them not only confidence and clothing but skills that will truly help them take the next step and they leave with a smile and feeling better about themselves. I can’t think of a more meaningful way to make a difference for these women. Thank you Bottomless Closet for changing so many lives!

I have been volunteering at Bottomless Closet for roughly 4 years-in person prior to COVID, remotely during COVID, and now back in person. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Each time I enter Bottomless Closet, I am welcomed by the amazing staff as well as other volunteers. The clients are always so appreciative of what we offer, but what they give to me is far more.

Bottomless Closet is an incredible organization that has changed the way women can reenter the workforce. The staff (a small but mighty team) and the volunteers involved with this organization are 1,000% committed and their Executive Director is one of the hardest working and most dedicated Non profit leaders we have had the pleasure to work with. The are always looking for new and innovative ways to reach their clients so they are able to serve as many women as possible who are in need of their services. Bottomless Closet is the real deal and an organization I am proud to be associated with, and support, personally and professionally!

Bottomless Closet is one of the most effective and efficient service organizations that I’ve ever supported. Their programs are diverse and impactful for a particularly vulnerable demographic.

As a volunteer for Bottomless Closet, I am impressed by the extreme care that is put into every aspect of our organization, ensuring our clients have the best experience and leave with the necessary tools and confidence to make a better life for themselves. Our boutique is constantly upgraded to make sure the clothes are seasonal and fashionably displayed, our staff is always trying to reach more women who would benefit from our services, and before I could even work with clients on my own, I underwent training to understand how to best assist them while remaining sensitive to their situations. The result of all this attention is an uplifting experience for everyone involved.

When I help my client put together the perfect job interview outfit, I am doing much more than providing them with clothing. I am empowering them! You can see it in their faces as soon as they look at themselves in the mirror and smile. Coupled with the extensive resume review and interview preparation, clients leave our office confident that they will succeed in finding a job.

What’s more, the relationship doesn’t end there, in fact this is only the beginning! Once our clients have found employment, they are welcomed back to Bottomless Closet where they are greeted with applause and offered more clothing for their new job. Our clients are encouraged to enroll in our many workshops, all offered for free by qualified professionals, covering an assortment of topics ranging from fiscal management to recreational activities. They can learn how to budget for their children’s education, adapt their resumes for a career change, or even practice yoga. If our clients don’t opt to participate in the varied workshops, we still follow up with everyone to find out how the job search is going and if they could use any additional services or clothing.

As I tell my clients at their first appointment, this is just the start of what will become a long-lasting relationship with Bottomless Closet.

We have been partnering with Bottomless Closet for 3 years and can't speak highly enough of the work they do with their clients, the high quality of the experience they provide, and the professionalism of the staff and volunteers. We look forward to doing even more to support the important work they do for women in the coming year.

Bottomless Closet has made a tremendous difference for thousands of disadvantaged women in New York City and I’m proud to be a part of the organization.

Bottomless Closet provides 1-1 support to New York women who are seeking to enter or return to the workforce. The dedication to the BC mission - of our volunteers, staff, board members, and donors - enables us to leverage a relatively small budget to support many thousands of BC clients. I volunteered for BC and absolutely loved that 1-1 experience, and eventually joined the board to help further BC's goals. The feedback from clients, and watching them become employed and financially independent (and support their families), is the reason we do what we do.

At Bottomless Closet, volunteers have hands-on interaction with each client they work with. Working with each client includes dressing in an interview appropriate outfit, updating and editing each resume, and coaching on how to succeed with an interview face-to-face or virtual. The reward for the volunteer is to see a shy, anxious, and nervous individual transition into a confident, focused, and self-assured person ready to seize new opportunities they never thought they could reach for. For me, it has been 20+ years of helping an individual recognize their talent, skills, and most importantly, their self-worth.

I joined the Board of Bottomless Closet last year after learning about all the great things this organization does. All volunteers, employees and Board Members believe in the organization's mission and are always willing to go above and beyond in helping the clients.

I have been on the board of Bottomless Closet for the past five years and have seen first-hand the positive impact that it has had on so many lives by helping women gain self-sufficiency. The customized approach and laser focus on clients has delivered positive results year after year, allowing women to build better lives for themselves and their families. Throughout the pandemic, Bottomless Closet has demonstrated its commitment to the women of New York, who are among the hardest hit by Covid-19, by working with clients remotely and adjusting our service model to take into account the challenges and constraints posed by the pandemic. Our clients clients have relied on us for over 20 years - and they know that they can continue to count on us to be there for them, regardless of the circumstances. I am incredibly proud to be a part of Bottomless Closet.

Working with clients is incredibly rewarding, seeing the transformation of sadness to happiness with confidence in the course of just an hour + is amazing!

There are seldom opportunities where you can have such immediate and generational impact on women struggling to improve their lives and the lives of their families by returning to work. Through roles such as board chair, treasurer, and co-head of financial mentoring, my satisfaction from helping women acquire the tools to be successful to secure jobs has been immeasurable. The community of fellow board members to staff, volunteers and clients, is overwhelmingly supportive.

Several years ago, after retiring from a career in corporate IT, I was looking for a volunteer opportunity that would match my love of mentoring with my desire to help other women achieve career and financial success. When I found Bottomless Closet, I knew it would be a great fit for me, so I joined as a volunteer career coach. Since then I have helped scores of women practice their interview skills, update their resumes, and find just the right outfits for an interview, and for the first few days at the new job. I love working with clients, with my fellow volunteers (among the smartest and kindest women I’ve ever met), and with the wonderfully caring and supportive staff. I’ve had the opportunity to present workshops on topics such as Time Management and Business Etiquette at partner sites and via Zoom, and to be involved in planning and executing Bottomless Closet’s client programming. The fact that so many clients stay involved with Bottomless Closet by attending workshops and other events speaks volumes about the quality of their services, as does the long-term involvement of so many volunteers. Bottomless Closet is truly making a difference in the lives of so many New York City women, and I’m delighted to be part of that effort.

I have been proud to be working with Melissa Norden and her team at Bottomless Closet for many years. They make a huge difference for women and their families and for the entire City of New York. I look forward to helping them continue their great work in building ladders to help others to climb to new heights.

Bottomless Closet is essential to the women of NYC! It’s not just about the clothes - we provide resume advice, improve interview skills and conduct important workshops including how to budget. A one stop shop for women as they search for jobs!

Bottomless Closet is an incredible organization helping local NYC women prepare for and re-enter the workforce. As a volunteer, my experience with their team, clients, and board has been extremely positive - everyone is mission-first, and wants to improve their clients' future.

They do the most with limited resources, have built such an incredible community of women, and pivoted with ease to offer a wide array of virtual programming during the pandemic when so many of their clients experienced loss of work. Bottomless Closet operates from the heart and it translates into a warm, welcoming, empowering, and inspiring place making a real impact!

Bottomless Closet is one of the best organizations supporting women in NYC! The staff is kind and knowledgeable. As a donor, you know your dollars are going straight to helping clients in need which is a great feeling. Their mission is clear and they deliver.

Bottomless Closet, through the dedicated efforts of its amazing staff, volunteers and donors has helped so many women move successfully into the workforce. I love the hands-on & heartfelt approach to serving the community.

Bottomless Closet is essential to help women in need get back into the workforce. The organization has really pivoted during the pandemic and has continued to provide necessary workshops online in order to maintain existing client relationships and build new ones. The staff and volunteers are extremely dedicated and caring.

It’s been a difficult last 18 months in so many ways and I decided to do something positive and make a difference by joining the board of Bottomless Closet, an organization that inspires and guides disadvantaged New York City women to enter the workforce and achieve success. Since the moment I joined, I have been impressed by the great work BC is doing, especially during the pandemic. From the moving client testimonials, workshops, annual luncheon, clothing consultations and resume coaching sessions, it is obvious that Bottomless Closet makes a difference in the lives of NYC women every single day and I am truly proud to be associated with them.

This organization always looks for new and innovate ways to assist women who are trying to get back into the working world, or establish themselves in the working environment. This organization truly cares about the well-being of each and every client.