QUEENS, N.Y. — Rahinatu Ahmed of The Bronx lost her job in home care during the pandemic. With a four-year-old daughter to take care of, she says it was a scary and uncertain time for her.


What You Need To Know

  • Commonpoint Closet is a free clothing boutique made up of donated professional attire 

  • It's located in an available storefront at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center 

  • Clients from the Commonpoint Queens Workforce and Summer Internship programs can pick up outfits to wear to job interviews 

  • There are suits, dresses, coats, shoes, watches and jewelry available at the store 

"I have a child and it was really like I was sad, I wasn't myself," said Ahmed, who found out about Commonpoint Queens Hub Workforce Services, the community services agency’s workforce program.

She is now benefiting from the Commonpoint Closet. Located inside donated space at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, it gives clients a chance to dress for success, as they prepare to interview and re-enter the workforce. The clothes were all provided through the generosity of folks in the community.

"People were home and they were cleaning out their closets, and we just had so much of a supply that we recognized right away that we needed to do something that was really dignified and really provided our clients with an opportunity to feel like they were out shopping like anybody else," said Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint Queens.

There are suits, dresses, shirts, sweaters, shoes, even jewelry and watches. Commonpoint is also making the clothing available for those in its summer youth employment program.

"In a lot of cases having their first internship and have never worn a tie, never owned a tie or a suit, and they will be working in an office environment this summer and they need to dress professionally," said Ellman, who added that they know a lot of families have been hit hard this year and they just don't have the resources to outfit their high school and college students.

Nikki Siegel also lost her job during the pandemic. She said being able to pick out some outfits so she can get back to work, is almost like Christmas.

"If you look corporate, you have more of a shot with a college degree, in getting a position," said Siegel.

Commonpoint Queens says the program has been a success and they plan on opening up shop again in the future.