It was a big day for the men at Central Union Mission, who received 250 men’s suits that were donated by congressmen, senators, lobbyists and other DC professionals. The suits were then dry-cleaned by IFA dry-cleaning members OXXO, Lapels, and Tide.

The suits were given to Central Union Mission program participants as part of a workforce reentry program so that they have the confidence needed to excel in an interview and on the job.  IFA staff and our partners at Advanced Advocacy collected the suits from Capitol Hill offices, other trade associations, and other DC businesses.

Central Union Mission President & CEO Joe Mettimano said that “We all know that it takes more than clothes to make a man–but the right clothes can certainly help. Because of Advanced Advocacy and the International Franchise Association, our program graduates can approach their job interviews with confidence, equipped to reveal their new competence and skills.”

Erica Farage of International Franchise Association commented, “Locally-owned franchise businesses give back to every community in America. The International Franchise Association is proud to partner with our dry-cleaning member businesses and numerous Capitol Hill offices from both sides of the aisle to contribute suits to help Central Union Mission’s important work.”

Beyond the core services of nutritious food and safe, clean beds, Central Union Mission offers several life-changing programs for men, including the Workforce Development Program, which offers employment readiness training and soft skills, actual hands-on, wage-earning work in a mentored setting and finally placement in an outside job and independent living situation.