| Our History |
|
|
|
In 2002, Christine Pfaff realized that she had no where to send her program’s male clients for an interview-appropriate outfit for their job interview. These clients completed their skills training through CareerStart, a grant-funded workforce training and employment program at Lone Star College – North Harris in Houston, and were ready for the world of work. She searched for an organization that would provide a free service to prepare the men for their interview with interview-appropriate clothing, but only found loosely run “clothes closets” that typically were lacking the full services and inventory. With additional research, Ms. Pfaff discovered an organization that served only male clients that were transiting from public assistance and various barriers to the world of work. This organization, Career Gear, was begun in New York City by Gary Field in 1998. After many telephone conversations and an in-person meeting between Mr. Field and Ms. Pfaff, Career Gear Houston became a reality and applied for affiliate status with the New York national office. CGH began its official start-up processes in 2003 with the direction and hands-on work of its initial advisory board members, who later formed the first board of directors. CGH opened its doors as a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization in 2004 to help transform the lives of unemployed or under employed men in the greater Houston area and beyond by preparing them to reenter the workforce. The first client was suited in mid-June of 2004 and since then we have “suited” over 2,500 men through February of 2009. |