Suits & Smiles is a program from Project Smile specifically created to assist and encourage lower-income men or former prisoners to secure meaningful employment. It offers professional attire for job interviews and work needs. Suits & Smiles partners with 43 social service agencies in the Boston/Framingham/Worcester region of Massachusetts.
Project Smile was founded in 2003 by Catherine Pisacane. “For some men it’s the first time, literally the first time they’ve ever worn a suit in their entire life. So that can be a game changer when you see yourself looking professional and feeling confident. It’s then that you realize that you’re better than your worst days – that the future can be bright! And that’s what we’re trying to instill in people is that, you know, no matter the hardships and the difficulties and the struggles, it’s not game over. You can move forward, and things can get better. And I think this is one of the most important things of this program, is a belief that a better tomorrow is possible.”
Men who could be greatly encouraged by a wardrobe upgrade are referred from the social service agencies. A majority of the men come from addiction treatment programs as they reach a point that they’re ready to look for employment, “which is a very important step in their recovery journey.” Other men come to Suits & Smiles as they’re being released from prison, some after decades behind bars – now trying to re-enter society, “coming out to a whole different world” where self-confidence bolstered by smart-looking attire is a big plus.
Catherine shares that they became aware that although there are groups that help teenage girls find suitable promwear, “there isn’t actually one that helps teen boys.” So, Suits & Smiles has been able to help young men with prom confident clothing. “And we don’t have tuxedos, but we do have nice suits and dress shirts.” She shares her reaction when she watched one boy try on his new prom suit. “He’s looking at himself in the mirror – and he’s just standing there very quiet – just like, looking at himself.” Catherine asked him “What do you think? And he’s like, ‘Oh, I never seen myself like this before. It was just the tone of his voice – and how serious he was – and I thought to myself, ‘wow, no matter the age, getting dressed up can show you yourself in a whole different light. And that can really be so important and really make a difference in somebody’s life!”
In our complete podcast interview, Catherine shares what first gave her the idea to create a non-profit especially designed to help men who need an assist to improve their lives.
If you would like to know more about Project Smile’s Suits & Smiles, or come alongside, click the link.
