Providing wardrobes, preserving dignity and

PROMOTING

SELF-RELIANCE

Bloom, a program of YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley, provides complimentary wardrobes to children, women, and men who are transitioning to a life of self‐reliance.

WHO DO WE SERVE?

Our clients are among the low income or working poor populations who are referred by supporting social services agencies.

The population served includes participants in substance abuse recovery programs, victims of spousal abuse, as well as others who are homeless, jobless, or suffering from economic hardship. Bloom not only provides clothes to satisfy the requirements of the workplace, but also to enhance the social and recreational needs of our clients who are working to transition to a life of self‐sufficiency.

Bloom is the only non-profit in the United States to provide wardrobes for the entire family at no fee to the client.

HOW WE WORK?

Bloom serves clients by referral only.

On the initial visit, two personal shoppers work with each client, offering a personalized wardrobe consultation and professional dressing. Each client receives a two-week, mix-and-match wardrobe and accessories. After six months, the client may schedule a second appointment to receive a change of season wardrobe.

More than 60 people volunteer as personal shoppers to our clients. They help clients choose an appropriate, functional and flattering wardrobe in a collaborative and nurturing environment that helps build self esteem.

OUR CLIENTS

Bloom serves clients by referral only.

Our clients are referred to Image by more than 45 social service agencies. Our clients come to us from a continually expanding and diverse group of non-profit and government agencies including job training programs, educational institutions, family service agencies, treatment centers, domestic violence and homeless shelters.

OUR STORY

  • 1999

  • 2001

  • 2005

  • 2007

  • 2009

  • 2011

  • 2015

  • 2016

  • 2017

  • 2019

  • 2022

Image for Success was founded by Barbara Lee. The organization was originally established to serve the needs of women in Marin County’s welfare-to-work program. Image for Success began its mission by working in collaboration with two other agencies and partnered with Cal Works (a welfare to work program) and Homeward Bound of Marin (dedicated to eliminating homelessness). Initially Cal Works helped us identify women in need and Homeward Bound provided us with office space.

Before the existence of Image for Success, Cal Works had provided each of their clients with vouchers to shop at a local discount store. Ms. Lee’s vision was to find a way to provide a more positive and personalized shopping experience for these women who were struggling to meet the serious challenges in their lives. She wanted each client to have a stress-free shopping experience that could boost her self-image while finding suitable clothes for a job interview. Image for Success was able to achieve this through donated clothing and the volunteered time provided by personal shoppers.

founder

Image for Success moved to a new location and expanded their services to include a children’s program.

2001

A men’s clothing boutique was established and Image for Success became a family agency and provided life skills training in addition to wardrobe services.

2005

Image for Success relocated to a larger, more central location on Fourth Street in San Rafael, which allowed for the opening of a retail store. This business venture has provided a new source of income to help cover operating expenses. In addition, the store is a valuable community resource with affordable, quality clothing available to our clients and the public.

2007

Image for Success began a program in collaboration with the Conservation Corps North Bay to offer a series of wardrobe and image workshops for Conservation Corps participants. These workshops were designed by Image For Success and were taught by volunteers.

2009

The retail store's success began offsetting costs of services, and we hit the milestone of 10,000 clients served since we opened our doors.

2011

Image for Success established over 50 partnerships with referring agencies and over 15,000 clients served.

2015

Image for Success officially rebranded to Bloom and launched a rebranding campaign, including a retail store upgrade. Review our 2016 annual report.

2016

Awarded top prize from philanthropic giving circle 100Marin.

2017

Bloom celebrates its 20th anniversary with over 18,000 clients served.

As we move into the future, the Bloom community is hopeful that the mission, defined by founder Barbara Lee and embodied in the organization she has built, will continue to thrive and truly make a difference in the lives of the clients served.

2019

Bloom becomes a program of the YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley.

2022

CAREERS

Join our team of passionate individuals. Positions at Bloom are hired through YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley.