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Working Wardrobes appeals for support; Irvine council honors founder Jerry Rosen
Summary
Working Wardrobes, a local nonprofit focused on job‑readiness and professional attire for people facing major life challenges, presented to the council and asked for donations and volunteer support; the council announced it will adjourn in memory of founder Jerry Rosen (d. May 14).
Irvine — Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit that provides career readiness services and professional attire, presented to the Irvine City Council on May 27 and asked for continued support from the city and the community.
Bonnie Palmisch, president and CEO of Working Wardrobes, described the organization’s individualized job‑training programs for people facing barriers including domestic violence, homelessness, military transition and justice involvement. Richard Ward, a volunteer, introduced Palmisch and urged council support. Palmisch said Working Wardrobes provides services at no charge to clients through a mix of government contracts, retail store revenue and private donations. “We teach the skill of how to overcome the barriers so that they can achieve gainful employment,” she said.
Palmisch highlighted volunteer and sponsorship opportunities and invited council members and residents to donate clothing, time and funds. She noted that Working Wardrobes was approaching a milestone: more than 135,000 clients served over 35 years and a gala on Sept. 20 to mark 35 years of service.
Council members praised the organization and expressed support for financial and in‑kind donations. Later in the meeting Mayor Agran asked the council to adjourn in memory of Jeri (Jerry) Rosen, Working Wardrobes’ founder and longtime CEO, who died May 14 at age 79. The mayor read a brief tribute describing Rosen’s founding of the organization in 1990 and the nonprofit’s role providing clothes, coaching and career services to people rebuilding their lives.
Council response: members signaled likely support through council discretionary funds and community partnerships; no formal council appropriation was taken at the meeting.
Why it matters: Working Wardrobes provides job placement, clothing and workforce development services to a range of residents in Orange County; the council’s recognition reiterates the city’s support for locally based social‑service nonprofits.
