Long Island Women Receive Training and New Business Apparel as They Prepare to Re-enter the  Workforce and Gain Independence
 
(Roslyn, NY) The Junior League of Long Island (JLLI), a nonprofit organization of women volunteers, hosted its Fifth Annual First Step Program on Sunday, April 29 and Monday, April 30 at its Roslyn Village headquarters.  Over 50 Long Island women who are transitioning back into the workforce received complimentary business outfits for interviews and their first days in a new job.
 
First Step helps Long Island women re-enter the work force and gain financial independence by taking the “first step” in providing free professional clothing and a career training session. Participants are referred by local social service agencies, including Family Service League, Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, FEGS, The Retreat, and EOC of Nassau County’s Displaced Homemaker program.
 
Junior League members personally assisted attendees with selecting appropriate clothing for their career.  An informational seminar focusing on the importance of networking, interviewing and creating a personal brand was facilitated by Jennifer Muccioli, Manager at KPMG in the People and Change Advisory practice in Melville. Transportation, lunch, and child care were provided to all participants for the day at no cost.
 
“First Step reaffirms the potential of all women to achieve self-sufficiency by helping them transition into the workforce with business-appropriate outfits and accessories.  This year we also provided a seminar on basic career training skills, which was very well received. Many of these women have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives and are now at a place where they are ready to work and start on the road to financial independence,” said Georgia Gier, President of The Junior League of Long Island.  “First Step would not have been possible without the generosity of all those Long Islanders who donated clothing and accessories to help others in our community gain self-esteem and economic security.  We would also like to thank the following local businesses and organizations for their generous donations and tireless support: KPMG in Melville, Meurice’s Cleaners of Manhasset, Dutch Girl Cleaners in Northport, Wendy Doerzbacher of Benchmark Lending, Our Lady Queen of Martyr’s Parish, Laura Mercier Cosmetics, Dr. Mary Carlson from Shoes for All, and 3 J’s Limousine, Inc.”  
 
About the Junior League of Long Island
The Junior League of Long Island is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Established in 1951, the Junior League of Long Island has over 300 members in Nassau and Suffolk counties.  Headquartered in the Village of Roslyn, the Junior League of Long Island is affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization of 293 Leagues throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and England.  The Junior League of Long Island is designated as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.