Editor’s Note: If one thing has become clear during these recent historical events in our country, it’s that many people don’t appreciate the concepts of “compassion,” “humility,” “loyalty,” or “solidarity.” A Momma & Her Pen believes wholeheartedly in supporting others and championing their personal and business ventures. We all have a style, we all have a voice, and we all have a story that deserves to be shared. That’s why I’m partnering with professionals from various walks of life in a special guest column series titled “Friends With Pens.” This is a chance for these talented individuals to share their perspective and promote their accomplishments, all of which are noteworthy and amazing. The ideas, observations, and opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the writer. A Momma & Her Pen hopes you enjoy this special series.
By Arlene Bessenoff
I do not consider myself a passive person. Early on, with some persistence and a lot of luck, I was able to engineer a very satisfying career change. I traveled alone to Greece when the opportunity arose (although, until I arrived in Athens, I conveniently forgot that I wouldn’t be able to read the street signs). I even placed a personal ad that brought me my husband (and we’ve been together for more than 32 years)!
And yet, when I was about to retire, I told a colleague that I didn’t know what I would do with my time. She said, “Don’t worry; things will find you …” At the time, I couldn’t imagine how prescient this advice would be.
One wonderful experience that found me is Bottomless Closet. As retirement loomed, I had joined a group that focuses on women facing various life transitions. The group also partners with several nonprofits. I soon learned of an informational session at an agency that helps women prepare for job interviews. I attended the meeting and was intrigued, so I signed up as a volunteer. And for the past seven years, I’ve been privileged to be a part of this amazing organization.
The mission of Bottomless Closet, founded in 1999 by several exceptional (and foresighted) individuals, is “to be the connection that inspires and guides disadvantaged New York City women to enter the workforce and achieve success.” From its small origins, Bottomless Closet has become an organization that has served more than 40,000 women in need.
Where do I fit in? Bottomless Closet uses more than 200 volunteers to conduct client appointments. Volunteers assist women in a two-part process of preparing for upcoming job interviews. In normal (non-pandemic) times, an appointment consists of helping clients find an outfit (complete with purse, shoes, and jewelry) from the organization’s well-stocked boutique and then working with them on their resume and coaching. Before I began, because of my career experience, I felt that I could be effective in the resume and coaching areas, but I wasn’t sure about the dressing part. (I’m of the antiquated belief that a black pantsuit can take you anywhere.) However, Bottomless Closet has an excellent training program for new volunteers. I participated in about six “shadowing” appointments, where I assisted (and learned from) veteran volunteers until I was ready to fly solo. Through the years, I have helped train other newbies. And I’ve learned from our clients that there are more creative options for interviewing outfits than a black pantsuit.
(Photo courtesy of Bottomless Closet.)
Bottomless Closet is a happy place; you sense the hope and possibility as soon as you arrive. It’s amazing to see a client sparkle when, maybe for the first time, she looks in the mirror and sees herself in “interview attire.” Bottomless Closet and the clients I’ve met have given me so much: an awareness of the vast amount of need in my city, bonds forged with women whose age and life experiences are very different from my own, the joy of seeing a woman “ring the bell” at the front desk when, after getting the job, she returns for more outfits (and the excitement of hearing the whole office stop to applaud at that moment)!
During the past several months, when the office has been closed, Bottomless Closet has continued to support its constituency by delivering free virtual workshops to more than 1,800 women, equipping clients for interviews through remote coaching sessions and “curbside pickup” of professional clothing and other essentials, and making more than 3,000 outreach calls to the most vulnerable clients. I’ve coached several clients remotely and assisted with training. The opportunity to maintain my connection with Bottomless Closet has been a source of inspiration and sustenance during these uncertain days.
So, while I still believe in actively going after what you want and need, I now know that there is definitely something to be said for “being found.”
For more information about Bottomless Closet and ways to support this exceptional organization, please visit the website at bottomlesscloset.org.
About The Author:
Arlene Bessenoff retired from a career in academic and financial publishing. In addition to Bottomless Closet, she volunteers at her local historical society and is a longtime participant in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. She enjoys knitting, reading, and cruise travel.
If you’re interested in submitting your own narrative or in recommending/promoting a friend, please email me at amommaspen@gmail.com. I am beyond excited to work with all of you on this collaboration project! Happy writing!
This is wonderful. What a special way to spend your retirement. So much good to be done in this world!