On a recent Friday morning a Catholic Charities of New York community center in the Bronx, racks of neatly pressed suits lined the walls as volunteers adjusted ties, reviewed résumés, and offered words of encouragement. Men from across the community arrived looking for more than professional clothing. Many came seeking confidence, guidance and a renewed sense of possibility.
The event, Suit Up for Success, was organized by Catholic Charities of New York’s Tenant Education Program in partnership with Deloitte. Participants received professional attire, mock interviews, résumé assistance, and one-on-one support designed to help them take the next step toward employment.
For Tina Salley, Tenant Education Program Coordinator at Catholic Charities of New York, the idea grew directly from conversations she has with clients every day. “We teach our participants tenants’ rights and responsibilities, as well as financial literacy and budgeting,” Tina said.
The program primarily serves individuals and families living below the federal poverty level. The Bronx remains the poorest county in New York State and home to one of the poorest congressional districts in the country, where one in four residents lives below the federal poverty line. Many participants are unemployed, underemployed, or living on fixed incomes. While teaching financial literacy workshops, Tina repeatedly heard the same concern.
“There has been a lot of concern about unemployment,” Tina said. Again and again, men in her workshops asked where they could find professional clothing or receive help preparing for job interviews. Rather than simply identifying the need, Tina wanted to create a solution.
By the end of the day, 30 men had received professional clothing, personalized career guidance, and encouragement as they prepared for new employment opportunities.
Restoring Confidence and Dignity
The Suit Up for Success event was built around a simple but powerful idea: men are more likely to find gainful employment when they feel respected and supported.
“It’s hard to see a man that’s depressed, non-working, and looked down upon by society,” Tina explained. “I believe they need to be uplifted and know that they matter.”
Throughout the day, participants met with volunteers who helped them craft résumés, practice interview skills, and find clothing that fit properly. For many, even determining a suit size was a new experience.
“One of the hardest things that came along with today was helping people find their suit sizes because a lot of these guys don’t know. They’ve never owned a suit,” Tina said. “Most of them only knew small, medium, and large for their sizing.”
Yet the impact went far beyond clothing.
Tina has seen how unemployment can affect a person’s confidence and outlook. Through her work, she regularly meets people who have been discouraged by financial hardship, a lack of work experience, or involvement with the criminal justice system. Many have been told repeatedly what they cannot do.
The goal of Suit Up for Success was to help them see what they can do. “We can give them a little bit of positivity and hope, because a lot of hope is missing,” she said.
That sense of dignity was visible throughout the event. Men felt uplifted and supported after putting on a jacket. Volunteers celebrated small victories. Conversations focused on strengths and empowerment. “They were treated with kindness,” Tina said. “They were welcomed. They were not shamed. They were shown that they matter.”
A Father’s Motivation
As Father’s Day approaches, the stories shared during the event offered a reminder that employment is about much more than earning a paycheck. For many participants, work is deeply connected to family, responsibility, and providing for loved ones.
Among them was Gregory.
Gregory has lived in the Bronx for more than a decade and has worked in construction and security. He learned about the event after receiving other assistance from Catholic Charities of New York.
What stood out most to him was the opportunity to strengthen his résumé and prepare for future opportunities. “I never had a personal résumé written,” Gregory said. “I received insight on how I could go about setting up my résumé and seeking a job in the future.”
By the end of the day, he felt more prepared than when he arrived. “I feel more comfortable now than before,” he said. “And getting this insight to move forward.”
“I feel proud to be a father,” Gregory said. “Especially to be a father of a child with a disability. I feel proud and happy to raise him. I consider it a blessing.”
Gregory described the challenges many families face when caring for a loved one with disabilities and the frustration of seeing others fail to understand their experiences. “He’s a human too,” Gregory said. “He might not be able to communicate like you, but you have to respect him as a human.”
His words echoed a principle at the heart of Catholic Charities’ mission: every person has inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with respect.
For Gregory, fatherhood is rooted in sacrifice and love. He spoke tenderly about the bond he shares with his son. “Every morning, he comes and hugs me,” Gregory said. “I know he appreciates what I am doing for him.”
Gregory explained that these moments give him strength to keep moving forward.
Deloitte’s Impact: Creating Hope Through Community
Events like Suit Up for Success do not happen in isolation. They depend on volunteers, donors, and community partners willing to invest their time, resources, and talents in others.
For Tina, the partnership with Deloitte made the day possible. “Without Deloitte, this event wouldn’t have happened,” she explained. “Their funding and support gave us the opportunity to provide something meaningful for these men.”
Equally important were the Deloitte volunteers who showed up ready to listen, encourage, and assist. “They were very present,” Tina said. “They were 100 percent amazing, taking their time, treating everybody with dignity and respect. That’s what they needed.”
Cameca Bacchus, a Deloitte associate, said volunteering allows her to connect directly with people and see the impact of service firsthand.
“I really enjoy volunteer work because it allows me to be in the field — up close and personal to see the effects that I’m having, and to give back more to those who are around me,” she said. “I enjoy just to do something positive for someone who needs it.”
Throughout the day, Deloitte volunteers assisted with résumé reviews, mock interviews, and professional styling, helping participants feel more prepared than when they arrived.
Reflecting on the event, Tina connected the day’s success to her faith. “Without faith, this wouldn’t have happened,” Tina said. “I believe when we come together, we can do all things. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”
As Father’s Day nears, Suit Up for Success serves as a reminder that strengthening families often begins with strengthening individuals. A suit alone cannot solve unemployment. A résumé alone cannot erase years of hardship.
Encouragement, respect, and opportunity can help people recognize their own potential.
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