2014 ANNUAL REPORT

WHEN MEN WORK, FAMILIES WORK BETTER

2 • CAREER GEAR

WELCOME

Head shots by Michael Cozine

O

n September 1, 1999, CAREER GEAR helped 20 men living in poverty transition into the workplace by outfitting them with business-appropriate attire. We’ve since evolved into a fully realized multifaceted non-profit that has assisted more then 45,000 low-income men to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. The results of our programs are profound. 70% of men who complete our Professional Development program are employed or enrolled in advanced education, up from 26% at intake. That number jumps to 86% for the men completing our mentoring program. CAREER GEAR envisions a world where all men, regardless of ­social and economic background, can be self-sufficient and vital ­members of their communities sustaining a legacy of financial s­ ecurity and educational success across generations. We partner with 92 New York City community-based agencies that refer men from all walks of life: those who are disabled, homeless, formerly incarcerated, living with HIV/AIDS, mentally ill, veterans and recent immigrants. We serve men who are unemployed and those who are underemployed as well. While each participant has a unique background and story, all have two things in common: they are living at or below the poverty level and they all want to work and become self-sufficient. At CAREER GEAR , we see employment as a catalyst to help men become more engaged fathers, positive male role models and an inspiration to

other men following in their footsteps. Our staff and a dedicated Board of Directors are deeply committed to providing our clients with personalized and attentive service. But none of this critical work could be done without the support of our individual donors; our committed volunteers; our corporate partners and the community and corporate foundations that support our work. Thank you for standing with us and making a difference. Sincerely,

Gary Field Founder and Executive Director

Michael Rothman Board Co-Chair

Paul Kim Board Co-Chair

CAREER GEAR • 3

CAREER GEAR TIMELINE 1999

2001

2002

2004

Created GEAR

5,000 men served

New offices open at 120 Broadway

10,000 men served

2006

2007

2009

2010

Launched Professional Development Series

Featured in President Clinton’s book, Giving

Celebrated 10-year anniversary

Created MAST Mentoring program

2012

2013

2014

2014

35,000 men served

Finalist in Huffington Post JobRaising Challenge

50,000 men served

Celebrated 15 year Anniversary

CAREER

4 • CAREER GEAR

OUR MISSION C

AREER GEAR provides professional clothing, mentoring

and life-skills to help men in poverty become stronger contributors to their families and communities. Since our founding in 1999, we have provided low-cost, high impact solutions to chronic unemployment and underemployment. CAREER GEAR’s personal, long-term commitment to the men we serve is one of our unique strengths and a point of pride. We know that when men work, it not only improves their lives, but the lives of all of us.

“I learned how to express the many emotions that I feel. CAREER GEAR helped me see that no matter what someone’s background looks like, there is always hope for a brighter future.”

—James

CAREER GEAR • 5

Client Demographics

Key Demographics

59%

6 • CAREER GEAR

Asian

White

Latino

African-American

Formerly Incarcerated

24% 7% 1%

39%

8% Fathers 53% Veteran

Completed College

15%

REBUILDING LIVES, RECONNECTING FAMILIES C

hronic joblessness can lead to poverty, poor health, prison, addiction and the breakdown of the family unit. That’s often been the plight of the men referred to CAREER GEAR from our network of community-based referral partners. We connect with them at a time when they are ready to turn their lives around and offer the tools and training they need to get a job AND to keep it. We provide a sustaining network of highly personal support to help each man successfully navigate the professional and personal challenges they face. At every step of the way, we strongly encourage them to reconnect with their children—sometimes for the first time. A man with a job and a chance to advance professionally is far more likely to grow as a leader to his family and his community.

CAREER GEAR clients—men of all ages and ethnic

­ ackgrounds—include veterans, recovering substance b abusers, recent immigrants, the formerly incarcerated, the disabled, first-generation college students, men on public assistance and men facing hurdles to job acquisition and retention, whatever their circumstances.

“CAREER GEAR has opened doors for me that would otherwise not have been there. I am working with my mentor to develop a strong relationship with my children and am truly grateful for the opportunity.” CAREER GEAR • 7

Program Outcomes EMPLOYMENT

FINANCIAL STABILITY 22%

28% 38%

Employed

50% Active bank account

6%

68% 13%

63% Difficulty providing for self or family

Employed full-time 18%

83% 29%

Enrolled in school

88% Frequent contact with children 21% 50%

Pre Professional Development Series Enrollment Post Professional Development Series Enrollment

8 • CAREER GEAR

Stable housing

MORE THAN A SERVICE, A RELATIONSHIP C

AREER GEAR’s commitment to our participants’ long-term

development and achievement is strong, deep and personal. It can span many months or even years. Our phased programs are free, voluntary and available for as long as needed. Career Gear currently offers three distinct programs:

• Job Readiness • Professional Development Series • MAST (Mentoring: Advancement, Success and Transition)

CAREER GEAR PARTICIPANTS ACHIEVE CAREER GEAR men are motivated to advance ­professionally. We take pride in sharing some of our ­clients’ recent accomplishments. • Coss M. established CossAthletics, a boot-camp style fitness and nutrition program. He just received a $100,000 investment in his company from Barbara Corcoran. • Alfred B. was featured on CBS News for his outstanding successes since coming home from prison. • Anthony S. obtained his New York State drivers license and CDL. • Norman G. has grown his private accounting business tremendously—enough to leave his job and focus entirely on his business. He just hired his first full-time employee. • Dexter C. completed an intensive fatherhood course and is reconnected with his children

CAREER GEAR • 9

A JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION After being moved to more than 40 foster homes, James turned to drugs and crime, eventually serving time in prison. But today, he identifies himself as a loving husband, father and provider. He credits hope, determination and programs like CAREER GEAR for turning his life around. He completed his GED, graduated from a vocational program for human services and is gainfully employed as an Entitlement Specialist at a re-entry program connecting individuals coming home from prison with critical services. James is now happily married and the father of a 15-year-old stepson whom he loves dearly. He is enjoying his new life.

10 • CAREER GEAR

THE JOB READINESS PROGRAM C

ompetition for employment is tougher than ever. That’s why we evaluate each participant’s job readiness prior to the interview. We work on communication skills and offer tips and strategies to help him make a positive first impression. Finally, we provide him a complete outfit and accessories from our extensive stock of high quality clothing. A new suit provides an intrinsic and extrinsic impact making him more likely to ace the interview and land the job. • Personalized pre-interview counseling and resume review identifies potential barriers to employment • Interview coaching helps participants communicate effectively • A private image consultation helps each man select an interview-appropriate outfit

“A nice suit has the power to be a great equalizer. When our young men put on a suit from CAREER GEAR, they walk, talk and feel like a million bucks. CAREER GEAR gives men the confidence they need to succeed in interviews.”

—Emily, job placement specialist CAREER GEAR • 11

THE JOY OF FATHERHOOD After serving in the military, Norman returned home to New York where he struggled with addiction and homelessness. CAREER GEAR has helped him get his life back on track. He calls fatherhood his greatest joy and responsibility and is dedicated to giving his daughter all the things he felt were missing in his relationship with his father: direction, friendship and a role model. He learned, at a CAREER GEAR workshop, that daughters who have their father as active participant in their lives are more likely to develop the social skills that better prepare them for success. Norman’s daughter is a happy, smart and confident child, and he takes pride in his role in her development.

12 • CAREER GEAR

THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES F

or CAREER GEAR participants, getting a job is an important first step to meaningful life change. But staying employed and advancing professionally often requires new skills and long-term emotional support. The Professional Development Series’ curriculum provides an atmosphere that promotes participation, discussion, accountability, networking and support. Participants who choose to attend, bi-weekly structured peer workshops forge strong, lasting bonds among the men in an environment of mutual support and shared goals. The Professional Development Series is divided into four main categories: employment, financial stability, parenting and life balance. Examples of recent classes include Job Search Skills & Networking, Financial Goal Setting & Budgeting, Improving Communication with Your Co-parent and Men’s Health & Yoga. The semester-based curriculum of educational workshops provide core and elective classes, resulting in: • Employment and/or enrollment in higher education • Economic self-sufficiency • An improved quality of life with new attitudes, beliefs and values

“I’m so glad there is a place like CAREER GEAR where men like me can come for the guidance and support we need.” CAREER GEAR • 13

BECOMING A ROLE MODEL Terry, a Vietnam veteran, struggled with substance abuse for most of his adult life. He has also battled and survived cancer. He came to CAREER GEAR to prepare for his first interview and quickly joined the Professional Development Series workshops and is now involved in the MAST Mentoring Program. Terry recently completed a course to become a human services provider. He would like to dedicate the rest of his life to helping others and becoming a role model to his children.

14 • CAREER GEAR

THE MAST PROGRAM

(MENTORING: ADVANCEMENT, SUCCESS, TRANSITION)

T

he highly successful MAST PROGRAM was created to deepen the impact of the Professional Development Series and offers motivated participants a more intensive experience. Participants are partnered with trained mentor/coaches who meet with them for six months on a one-to-one basis to provide expert advice on work and personal issues. Participants credit their mentors with helping them achieve professional, financial and personal stability. Mentors challenge participants to complete specific tasks drawn from an agreed upon action plan and report back in bi-weekly meetings. They share their successes and setbacks and help them navigate the inevitable bumps in the road. Topics addressed recently included: • Refining internet-based job searches • Reconnecting with chidren and co-parents • Navigating the court systems • Credit and debt management • Preparing for a workplace evaluation • Developing a healthy lifestyle

“CAREER GEAR has an excellent doorway to change behaviors. The programs focus on the positives— not don’t but do—and take a holistic, long-term approach that is best for the men themselves, their families and the community.”

—Fran Sykes, President of Pascal Sykes Foundation, a MAST funder CAREER GEAR • 15

CAREER GEAR EVENTS I

n 2014, CAREER GEAR was honored by the New York Yankees as one of four recipients of their HOPE program. Derek Jeter and teammates spent the day at CAREER GEAR getting to know our clients. Later that day, we were honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on Yankee field. We also partnered with Van Heusen on ­ iants’ the #GiveAShirt campaign, which kicked off at the New York G stadium. The campaign received over 10,000 hits and Van Heusen donated 7,500 new dress shirts to CAREER GEAR’s participants. AIG, sponsored a career day at their headquarters in Lower Manhattan. The event, kicked off by AIG’s CEO Peter G. Hancock, hosted thirty CAREER GEAR clients who spent the day honing ­interview skills with AIG employees. Our annual gala, Capital PerSuit, brought hundreds of supporters and sponsors together at the Gilded Lily in the meatpacking district. Honorees and celebrities have included Jon Stewart, Peter King Hunsinger, Larry Wilmore and Senator Charles Schumer.

16 • CAREER GEAR

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE

“Van Heusen and CAREER GEAR ­ engaged thousands of people to support the #GiveAShirt campaign. It has been one our most meaningful initiatives to date and we look forward to growing our partnership in the years to come.”

We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our ­supporters for their generosity.

—Anthony Trama, Senior Vice President, Creative Services, PVH Corp.

Foundation

Corporate

Suit Drives

Amazon Smile Foundation

AIG

Massey Knakal

Arcus Foundation

AIG-Legal-Unclaimed Assets

AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) BlackRock

Mound Cotton

Bronx District Attorney’s Ofice

National Australia Bank

Brookfield R.E

Pfizer Inc

CAA

RYB

Capgemini

TEK Systems

Give with Liberty

Colgate Palmolive

UCB

Massey Knakal

Goldman Sachs

Credit Agricole CIB

Warby Parker

M&T Bank

Hearst

David Yurman

Winged Keel Group

New York Community Trust

IGive

DLA Piper

NY Yankees Foundation

Marcella

Federal Reserve Bank

Rose M. Badgeley Trust

NY Yankees

Heidrick & Struggles

Stonewall Community Foundation

Nick Graham

Invesco

The Taft Foundation

Skinny Fatties

JP Morgan Chase

TEKsystems (Allegis)

Stacey Adams

LinkedIn

Wells Fargo

Thompson Reuters

Lloyds Bank

Van Heusen

Loews

Double R Foundation Edith Blum

Biogne Capital One

Henry E. Niles Foundation

Con Edison

Jean and Louis Dreyfus

Diageo (Johnnie Walker & Guinness)

Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust

Miller Buckfire

CAREER GEAR • 17

THE CAREER GEAR TEAM Board of Directors Paul Kim, Co-Chairman CEO, ProConvos, Inc Mike Rothman, Co-Chairman Owner, First Money Media Angus Dobbie, Treasurer Director, Recruiting Global Banking & Markets, Global Asset Management and Global Private Bank HSBC Kristine Stallone, Secretary Vice President Finance and Administration, American Jewish World Service Jonathan M. Bergman Managing Director, TAG Associates Ken Giddon Founder & President, Rothmans 18 • CAREER GEAR

Gilonne D’Origny Executive Vice President, On Demand Books Scott Lehmann Executive Director Strategic Partnerships and Events, Esquire Magazine Gene Manheim Managing Director, Herbert Mines Associates Deepen Parikh Partner, Interplay Ventures

Andrew Stein Partner, Vicus Partners, LLC Anthony Vaughn, Esq. Associate, Parker Ibrahim & Berg LLC Warwick Williams Partner Coordinator, FedCap Employment Works

Staff Gary Field, LCSW Founder & Executive Director Alison Nager, MFA Development Officer Oscar Prado, LMSW Program Director Christopher Straub Program Manager Carlos Castillo Suiting Coordinator

Sean Pica Executive Director, Hudson Link Noah Sorkin, Esq. Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Advisor Group

This annual report was developed through a service grant from the Taproot Foundation

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP C

AREER GEAR volunteers are incredibly valuable and needed.

We work with over 200 corporate and community-based groups a year. We enthusiastically welcome new volunteers to help us by donating money, time and clothing.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Give Money Your tax-deductible donation makes a real difference. • $2,000 provides the full range of CAREER GEAR’s services for one man for an entire year • $1,000 provides one man access to our Professional Development Series Program • $450 provides business attire and interview counseling for one man • $100 funds a one-on-one meeting and healthy meal with a mentor • $50 buys one man a pair of shoes and socks for an interview

Give Time • Lead a Professional Development Series Workshop in the evening • Become a mentor and work one-on-one with a participant • Plan a fundraising dinner, cocktail party, lecture or other event • Help out in the CAREER GEAR office or at fundraising events

Give Clothing • Hold a clothing drive at your office

For more information, visit us at www.careergear.org.

• Clean out your closet and donate

Follow us on

Facebook and

Twitter.

CAREER GEAR • 19

CAREER GEAR, INC. STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES Year ending December 31, 2014

Management & General $22,315.71

Fundraising $7,288.63

Program Services $515,833.46

Total Expenses $545,437.80

1 Beekman Street, Suite 301 New York, NY 10038 212 577 6190 www.careergear.org