With emotional, physical, and economic challenges, people struggle to survive, let alone thrive. One beloved Coachella Valley organization – Desert Best Friend's Closet (DBFC) – works hard to educate and empower clients for success while they seek employment. For people with barriers to employment, assistance with finding a stable job can make a difference. DBFC helps single moms, people with developmental disabilities, and people living on the margins of society. The organization supports Coachella Valley residents, with the ultimate goal of economic self-sufficiency. Consultations with stylists, resumé writing, and job development assistance are all part of the equation.
The 10th annual Put Your Best Shoe Forward Luncheon and Fashion Show – in support of Desert Best Friend's Closet – occurred on April 5 at Agua Caliente Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage. The event featured client success stories, local vendors, a $10 pop-up boutique, a fashion show and silent auction, and a special dessert – a chocolate high-heeled shoe. The chocolate shoe is the aptly named permanent signature dessert for the popular event, which is the main annual fundraiser for the organization. All DBFC services are provided at no charge to clients.
Founded in 2008 by Connie Golds, the original inspiration was to help build a bridge to employment. The Interview Attire program helps address issues associated with presentation for job interviews. Volunteer stylists assist clients at the DBFC boutique in Palm Desert, pairing jackets with shoes and buoying spirits and confidence. Donations of clothes and accessories come from the community as a full-circle way for local residents to support their neighbors. Cleaning out your own closet can be a lifeline for someone in need. DBFC is the only agency that provides this service in the greater Palm Springs area. Besides one-on-one wardrobe and image consultation sessions, services have expanded to help clients comprehensively. The Bridge to Employment Program offers resumé writing, interview skills, coaching, and job development. DBFC has helped nearly 2,000 clients since moving into its service site in 2010.
One client, 23-year-old Tiffany Rogowksi from Cathedral City – who is this year’s David Chavez Memorial Inspiration Award honoree – illustrates the holistic nature of the DBFC wrap-around programs. A bubbly, engaging young woman with a learning disability, Rogowksi worked with DBFC and was ultimately hired by Barkingham Palace Pet Hotel in Palm Desert. “I am a park attendant,” Rogowski says. “I supervise them and make sure the area is maintained and that the animals are safe and feeling safe.”
One hiccup in Rogowksi’s trajectory was her reliance on public transportation. She learned to ride the bus, but her dream was to get a driver’s license. When I spoke with Matthew McLeroy, director of programs for DBFC, he was excited to share that as part of the award ceremony, DBFC would partner with a local driving school and give lessons to Rogowksi. “Tiffany was presented with a certificate from Millers Driving Academy to receive free lessons until she is able to pass her drivers test and get her license,” McLeroy shared. “They will pick her up from home and be there with her on the day of her test. The representatives from Millers Driving Academy were owner Ernie Vasquez and his employee, Chloe Collett.”
Desert Best Friend's Closet offers clothes for men and women, shoes, costume jewelry, and undergarments – everything that a client needs to be successful while seeking employment. The shop operates by appointment only, often in partnership with social service agencies. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Another exciting component to this organization involves fancy attire. DBFC sources 600 to 800 evening gowns and prom dresses each year, and any high school student in the Coachella Valley can make an appointment. These elegant offerings are extended to local military families for annual galas. If you’re moved to donate clothing, shop at the boutique, or volunteer your services, your support is greatly appreciated.
