Our Mission

Image for Success (IFS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing two-week wardrobes to disenfranchised men, women and children in Marin County who are transitioning toward self-reliance. Image for Success not only provides the suit for the interview, but also clothes for every day – a critical need when someone is making the effort to change their life. Our volunteer personal shoppers give each client special attention in the selection of a wardrobe that fits their current circumstance. Our goal is to offer individuals a profound and revived sense of dignity and self-assurance that comes with looking their best. This service is provided in our Men’s, Women’s and KID’s Boutiques in San Rafael, located in Marin County, California.

The free clothing, accessories, jewelry and shoes that is given to clients is obtained primarily through donations from our generous community. We are very particular when accepting these donations. We ask our donors for high quality, gently worn clothes in current fashion and current season. We believe that our clients deserve only the best garments.

Our clients must be considered low income or working poor and be receiving support services from a nonprofit, job training, recovery, social service or governmental agency in Marin County. Counselors and case managers from our 60 referral partner organizations work in collaboration with IFS to determine eligibility for an appointment. Criteria could be completion of a job-training program, obtaining a job interview, a predetermined time of sobriety or pending program completion. We see our service as part of the individual plan to attain self-sufficiency. After the initial appointment, the client receives a discount card for shopping in our small retail store. The client may return in the following season to obtain a second two-week wardrobe.

As a Bay Area Green Business, IFS is committed to recycling and reusing clothes. We do not throw clothing away. We are connected to community partners that are able to use clothing that cannot be used in our programs. In addition, we receive special requests for articles of clothing for particular needs, i.e. coats for low income students going to East Coast schools, dresses for girls going to prom and graduation, supplies of clothing for hospital emergency rooms, victims of fire or flood.

Community Impact
Image for Success helps to alleviate social problems among at-risk families, single adults, youth and children by helping meet their need for clothing and promote their sense of dignity and self-esteem. Our belief is self-esteem begins with self-image. This client quote says it best….

So, to come to your office and be waited on by two lovely women who were at the moment in time completely focused on me, on serving only me, was pretty amazing. They asked me some questions about my work goals, size and style and colors, and then they were off! They scurried about the room and returned with lots of single garments and complete outfits – all for me. They encouraged me to try it all, and I did. They complimented me and they gave me honest feedback when clothing didn’t quite work for me. They were both professional and yet very warm and personal in their attitude and approach. I felt so honored, so blessed! I felt like a human being again. It was a beautiful reminder that I was still precious, still valuable.

IFS helps to reduce the financial burden of purchasing clothes at a time when clients are working hard to stabilize themselves economically. Since 1999, Image for Success has provided clothing to over 5,300 people.

Image for Success has been a volunteer based organization since its inception. Our group of 120 volunteers provide over 2,500 hours of service per year. In addition, through partnerships with local high schools, we provide internships and community service projects for area teens. Our volunteers help with all aspects of the program. Volunteers complete many tasks such as receiving donations, processing and prepping the clothes, minor clothing repair and cleaning, working in the retail store, administrative support, database management and helping clients select their wardrobes.

Service Area and Population Served
Image for Success is located in Marin County, California and serves its’ residents. Through our clothing-sharing program, we have also provided clothes to organizations in need outside of Marin County. Recipients have been Mendocino County Children’s Services, Sonoma County Women’s Welfare League, Iowa flood victims, and Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco.

Organizational History
Image for Success was founded in 1999 by Barbara Lee. IFS was originally established to serve the needs of women in Marin County’s welfare-to-work program. Working collaboratively within the community, IFS partnered with two organizations: Cal Works, the agency responsible for the welfare-to-work program and Homeward Bound of Marin, an agency dedicated to eliminating homelessness. Cal Works helped IFS identify the women in need and Homeward Bound provided space to set up shop in a small corner of their building.

At that time, Cal Works provided each client with a voucher to shop at a local discount store. Ms. Lee’s vision was for a more positive experience knowing that the clients were taking on so many challenges in their lives. She wanted each client to have a stress free shopping experience that could boost her self-image while finding suitable clothes for the job interview. The beautiful, quality clothing and accessories that were donated by supporters provided that boost. Friends donated their time as personal shoppers and gave each woman an hour of focused attention.

In 2001, IFS moved to a new location and expanded services to include the KID’s Program. In 2005, IFS started the Men’s Place and was established as a family agency making IFS the only clothing program in the U. S. that provides clothing for the entire family. In addition, Image for Success also provided life skills training through the Pathways program.

In 2007, IFS relocated to a larger, more central location in San Rafael, which allowed us to open a retail store. This newest venture provided IFS with a new revenue stream while making affordable, quality clothes available to our clients and the general public. Looking ahead, we anticipate our programs will include “how to dress for success” workshops and outreach services for the KID’s program.

Board and Staff

Hours and Directions

FAQ

Image for Success relies on the financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteer efforts of individuals and companies who are committed to helping individuals take charge of their lives.