New York's go-to tailor Mohan Ramchandani will take on 15 new customers this week for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a free, custom-made suit.
Mr. Ramchandani, 60 years old, is the owner of Mohan's Custom Tailor. He has teamed up with the Hope Program, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit, to provide suits and shirts to 15 participants of the organization who are presently unemployed and interviewing for jobs. The Hope Program, founded 27 years ago, works with any unemployed New Yorker—young and old, with a short or long work history—that faces significant barriers to entering the workforce.
Men and women enrolled in the program participate in daily instruction that covers applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and using office equipment and computers, among other skills.
All participants spend 200 hours in an internship to gain hands-on experience. After the internship, they work one-on-one with a specialist from the organization to find a job.
Many participants have to overcome obstacles to graduate from the program, says Jennifer Mitchell, executive director of the Hope Program. Some participants have a low level of literacy or a history of substance abuse or incarceration. Others have been dislocated from work, escaped from an abusive relationship or just have low self-esteem, which is where Mr. Ramchandani comes in. "I want to really help them," he says. "They will look much better and they will be 100% comfortable in the suit."
Mr. Ramchandani, born in Ahmadabad, India, and a resident of Queens, began working at the age of 17, joining his six brothers and sisters in the clothing business. He came to the U.S. in the early 1970s to open his shop where he now employs his son and nephews. He says many people helped him build his business, so it's only fair to lend a hand to those just getting their start. The suits come with advice about hard work, too: "Don't lose your courage," he says.
The new clothes are coming a the perfect time, says Ms. Mitchell. The recipients are applying for clerical, administrative and hospitality jobs where a first impression matters. Beyond that, the clothes will help the men "hold themselves differently" and confidently enter a room, she says. Suits will be complemented with donated ties and shoes.
Ms. Mitchell says her clients are excited for the new clothes, and especially, what a new suit might lead to. "They almost can't imagine that someone is going to be taking that time and taking that much care," she says. "The reality is, in our population, people tend to look past them and not give them the time or make them feel special."
-Melanie Grayce West
Press Room
