100 Suits was founded in 2011 by Mr. Kevin Livingston who wanted to create a program to address the needs of underprivileged men and women in need of business attire in the New York City area. In 2015, we obtained our 501 (c)(3) non-profit status. Our core service is to provide free business attire to men and women who are in the job search process. By being able to wear appropriate attire to their interviews, these men and women are better equipped to achieve gainful employment, which will ultimately help them to transition into mainstream society and live more productive lives. Through this program, we also provide free haircuts for men and wig referrals for women, where needed. The 100 Suits mission is: “The mission of 100 Suits for 100 Men is to help underprivileged men and women improve their role in society, building dignity and self-esteem, fostering self-sufficiency, dispelling stereotypes, and promoting community involvement in order to build each other up.” One of our two offices is at 114-02 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11434. Our other office is located inside of one of our strongest partners, the New York State Parole/Queens office at 92-36 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11433. This organization has grown to include programs that address more than a suit. 100 Suits addresses socio-economic issues as well as injustice issues with its community involvement and activism, making positive changes in the lives of men and women in the New York City area. These solutions help those individuals get to a place of economic freedom help to reduce recidivism rates. To address the recidivism rates, 100 Suits partners with NYC Dept. of Corrections Community Supervision Unit, this is located inside of Queens Parole. This is the primary location of the 100 Suits Boutique. Monthly workshops with men who are newly released from correctional facilities are also conducted at this location. Currently, 100 Suits services both male and female populations of Queens Parole. Our boutique model specializes in men but has had cohorts of the Academy, teaching entrepreneurialism, and graduating them upon completion. Our organization is currently looking to expand the program to Brooklyn Parole. Some of our other community partners are the National Action Network, numerous pastors and churches, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, key individuals and politicians, and local media contacts. In addition to the outside sources, the 100 Suits staff of volunteers are some of the most dedicated and valued assets of our organization. However, more funding can bring more quality people to 100 Suits on a permanent basis, in additions to better fixed assets and better programs, thus the goal of more services to our target population.
