In 2018, FCS Extension, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, and Hardin County Adult Education opened a professional clothing closet that is open to the public when anyone is in need of interview attire. After using space at the Hardin County Adult Education for close to a year for the community clothing closet for professional attire, new partnership opportunities with the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College allowed for a permanent location. Extension began a collaboration with the Work Ready division at ECTC, who brought in administration, who allotted space in the Student Center for the Clothing Closet to be moved. This will allow us to have a permanent, stand-alone location. Before, the closet was in between offices at Adult Education, which could sometimes disrupt individuals during their work day. After the move, where janitorial staff also hung permanent racks, the closet is in a room all on its own, with easy access that disrupts no individuals.

Since the move, the closet has received high praise from both ECTC administration and the public alike. We have been able to utilize the closet more, as we don’t have to worry with coordinating schedules with workers at Adult Education.

The closet also looks more professional, allowing it to serve its purpose better in the community.

Since the move, we have served almost twice the number of clients, with new marketing options to continue serving the public.

The closet gives free interview attire to individuals in the community who either have an upcoming job interview, or have recently been hired and need new attire before they receive their first paycheck. Clients can receive an entire outfit, or multiples of one piece if needed. They are offered shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, ties, suits, belts and shoes if needed.