As teens and young adults prepare to enter the workforce, The Sharing Shelf in Port Chester is helping remove a key barrier to success by providing free professional clothing and career-readiness support.

The nonprofit’s Style for Success initiative is helping teens and young adults build confidence by providing professional clothing and career guidance through its Teen Boutique, a space designed to feel like a real retail store stocked with high-quality donated clothing.

Volunteer Patti Rallis spends time helping each participant find outfits that fit both their style and personality.

“Every girl has a different body image and what they like and what they feel comfortable in,” Rallis said. “Our goal is to make them feel good about themselves.”

The program goes beyond fashion. Participants receive coaching on workplace expectations and how dressing professionally can help make a positive first impression.

“It takes seven seconds to make your first impression,” said Tierra James, director of the Teen Boutique. “Your appearance alone will have some employers decide whether or not they are going to take you on.”

For Christeina Robinson of Mount Vernon, updating her business wardrobe was about more than clothes.

“It makes me feel very powerful,” Robinson said. “It makes me feel like I make a statement.”

James says encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zones often leads to newfound confidence as they prepare for interviews, internships and their first jobs.

The Sharing Shelf is currently seeking donations of professional clothing and financial support to help expand the Style for Success program and continue serving local teens preparing to enter the workforce.

To learn more, volunteer or make a donation, visit thesharingshelf.org.