Ready for Work is a philanthropic program that helps individuals looking to re-enter the workforce successfully. This program was established as a part of the chapter’s Community Outreach initiative during the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Initially, the partnership began with the United Way of Greater Houston Bay Area Center. After a year of piloting this initiative, the membership accepted the program as a standalone service.

The main idea behind this program is to provide individuals referred by the center to come to the chapter’s award-winning resale shop. Here, with the help of a personal shopper, they can select clothing and accessories that are appropriate for an upcoming interview or the start of a new job. The program ran successfully for several years, and committee leaders recognized the need to expand the services offered.

To cater to those who require specific clothing or footwear that the shop did not carry, the program was updated in the fall of 2019. It allowed individuals to go to retail establishments to select the items they needed, and the chapter funded those purchases.

Today, the program has expanded its reach and partnerships. Besides the United Way of Greater Houston Bay Area Service Center also partners with The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Family Promise of Clear Creek, and Workforce Solutions Clear Lake.

For the last thirteen years, Ready for Work has offered men and women re-entering the workforce after a job loss or changed domestic circumstances an opportunity to wear clothing required for the interview process and work environment.