Career Readiness That Makes a Difference

When Clara stepped into the Dress for Success: Career Readiness for Young Adults event last September, she was simply hoping to find something to wear to her next interview. She had been applying to jobs for months with no luck. But that day, she walked away with much more than a new blazer—she left with renewed confidence, a community of support, and a job offer from Macy’s. 

The event, hosted in partnership with Orangewood Foundation, Macy’s, and Wells Fargo, brought together professional development resources and hands-on support for young adults preparing to enter the workforce. It was more than a career training—it was a transformative experience built to help young adults take meaningful steps toward stability and self-sufficiency. 

Clara, like many of the young adults Orangewood serves, was doing everything right—applying to jobs, showing up prepared, and staying hopeful—but lacked access to key tools that make all the difference: professional clothing, interview training, and someone to say, “You’ve got this.” 

She arrived early and eager to learn. After completing financial literacy training led by Wells Fargo volunteers and participating in interview prep workshops, Clara received personalized styling support from the Macy’s team. She carefully selected a versatile outfit, including a sleek blazer she felt would give her the confidence to walk into an interview and own the room. 

During her styling session, Clara mentioned her job search to one of the Macy’s volunteers, who encouraged her to visit the store’s office upstairs and apply right then and there. She did—and within days, she was offered a position. Today, she’s proudly employed by Macy’s. 

“I applied to so many jobs. Now, I’m finally able to support myself.”

The event was designed to address the challenges many young adults face when entering the workforce—especially those navigating the transition out of foster care or facing housing and financial insecurity. Orangewood Foundation supports nearly 2,000 young adults annually with services that span education, employment, housing, and basic needs and support. Events like this one allow young adults to gain skills while building connections and confidence in a supportive, trauma-informed environment. 

The full-day experience included interview coaching, makeup and skincare tutorials, headshots, and financial education. With the generous support of Macy’s and Wells Fargo—who each contributed $10,000—every participant received a $500 Macy’s gift card to shop for career-ready outfits with the help of professional stylists. 

The impact went far beyond clothing. 

Young adults learned how to stretch a budget, build a flexible wardrobe, and walk into interviews prepared. Many walked away feeling empowered to not only present themselves professionally but to advocate for themselves and their goals. 

For Clara, the day ended with an unexpected outcome—but for the community that came together to make this possible, her story was the very goal. 

Because when young adults are given the right tools—and the belief that they belong—there’s no limit to what they can do. 

If you’re inspired by stories like Clara’s and want to support career readiness and other life-changing programs at Orangewood Foundation, visit our Ways to Give page to learn how you can make a difference.