NY1.com

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10/14/2011 10:47 PM

Harlem Boutique A "Relief" For Job Seekers

By: Rebecca Spitz

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The so-called Relief Boutique in Harlem helps economically disadvantaged women look and feel their best for job interviews at no cost. NY1’s Rebecca Spitz filed the following report.

The smile on Yulieth Gomez's face says it all. She feels great about how she looks, and with an important job interview coming up next week, the timing couldn't be better.

"I feel good because I look professional,” said Gomez. “They do a good job, they help me for everything."

Gomez is a client at the Relief Boutique, a not-for-profit treasure hidden on the third floor of a Harlem brownstone.

The tiny room is home to an impressive array of donated, gently-used clothes, shoes and accessories. It’s all intended for economically disadvantaged women of any size or age who are seeking a work-appropriate look.

It's run by someone who knows a thing or two about looking the part: a corporate lawyer.

"It's about the clothing, it's about finding the right fit, finding the right piece for an interview, but it's also about the caring. We want to make sure they're really comfortable in the clothing, that they get the right size for themselves, that they feel confident when they put it on and they're ready to go out there and go to their interview,” said Robyn Young, executive director of the Relief Boutique.

Clients are referred to the Relief Boutique and seen by appointment only. The store is staffed by women volunteers who guide the clients through the process of choosing two outfits, which are given to them for free.

Attention is paid to every last detail, from the client herself to the way her clothes are sent home.

"When I came in here, 'you need water? you need this?' Everything perfect, perfect, perfect. 'You feel comfortable with this dress? You want another one?’ Everything was perfect. I love these people," said client Marni Rosario.

Having helped more than 100 women in its inaugural year, the Relief Boutique says it's looking forward to its next 100 and maybe expanding its client base to include men.