Metropolis Group came to the aid of disadvantaged NYC women in April by supporting both AREW and the Bottomless Closet. Janey Scaturro, of Metropolis Group, is a member of the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW) which was founded in 1978. AREW is one of the real estate industry's longest-running and most consistent supporters of women real estate professionals. Their goal is to provide outstanding educational programs and networking opportunities that contribute to career growth.
The AREW Charitable Fund, a not-for-profit affiliate of AREW, was established in 1989 as part of the association's ongoing commitment to make a difference in the community through charitable activities for women in need.
In unison with AREW's April 3rd luncheon, the AREW Charitable Fund held its 2012 annual collection for Bottomless Closet, a not-for-profit organization that provides business attire and ongoing career support for economically disadvantaged women.
The mission of Bottomless Closet is to help disadvantaged NYC women become self-sufficient through a wide-ranging program that begins with business apparel and interview preparation and continues with professional development, financial management and personal enhancement. They use the model of women helping women. Bottomless Closet enhances their clients' self-esteem and self-confidence in order for them to enter and succeed in the workforce and improve the quality of their lives.
Bottomless Closet addresses the no-win situation that confronts disadvantaged women trying to enter the workforce: without a job, how can you afford to purchase a suit? Without a suit, how can you obtain a job? They provide women with the opportunity to select interview-appropriate clothing from Bottomless Closet's boutique. For this event the clothing was donated by AREW members and was either new or gently worn. Since its beginning in 1999 the organization has helped close to 20,000 women secure, maintain, and advance their careers.
Career achievement and the financial stability it produces are part of the American dream. But not everyone entering the workforce has the education and training needed to succeed. Disadvantaged women, as well as those laid off from jobs in declining industries face especially severe obstacles to workforce achievement. They want to stand on their own two feet, and become self-sustaining individuals, independent and free. They wish to acquire self-sufficiency so that they can provide themselves and their families with housing, food, child care, and other essentials without public subsidies.
Frank Fortino is a supporter of AREW. Thanks to his generosity, and the commitment of the AREW members, the event was a huge success and together we were able to make a difference in the lives of some women who just need a little help in acclimating into the business world. Anyone can donate to the Bottomless Closet. Please visit their website and consider making a contribution:
Shown (from left) with some of the items collected are Charitable Fund members: Madelyne Kirch, Sun & Moon Marketing Communications; attorney Barbara Pryor; event chair Vivian Aronica, The Advance Group; Dorothy Vermeer, H.J. Kalikow & Co.; Stephanie Butler, Horizon Land Services; Shaelee Lopes, TD Bank; and Joan Meixner, CBRE. Tags: