Pumps, Pearls, and Portfolios, Inc. Shoes For Life

Pumps, Pearls, and Portfolios, Inc. (PP&P), a not for profit, grassroots organization, has been formed to benefit low-income clients needing to get into the workforce.

May 18, 2004--The organization benefits those mothers, grandmothers, the homeless, domestic violence, and HIV clients who are entitled to get into the workforce to attain independence and economic stability to support themselves and their families. Unfortunately, for many of the mothers, the commitments involved in raising a family as a single parent, along with the pressures and demands of lifes obstacles, from virtually insurmountable obstacles to a return to work seems incomprehensible; therefore, evidence indicates that the best way to move welfare recipients from dependency to work is to put them in jobs as soon as possible.

PP&P confronts the harsh reality that without the right accessories and career training, it can be difficult to make an impression in finding a job. The catch-22 can be an intimidating obstacle for low-income women entering the job market. Women making the transition from welfare to work face a myriad of challenges, from understanding corporate culture to handling personal finances, often without any support systems to help them navigate this daunting change.

With a national unemployment rate of 6.1 percent, working mothers need every advantage to stay afloat in the workplace. A polished professional image from head to toe can inspire mothers to retain valuable jobs, obtain promotions and excel in all areas of their career. Studies have shown that professional attire plays an integral part in enhanced productivity. In contrast, programs used to educate and train recipients to qualify for better jobs accomplishes little more than traditional welfare. Under that condition,
mothers bring into play their highest level of moral reasoning when faced with life obstacles that hinder them.

PP&P is an organization that believes in the importance of providing and encouraging participation in work/life programs. We aim to ensure that low-income women develop skills that will allow them to remain in the workforce and not return to the welfare system.

We are helping to inspire self-confidence and provide important knowledge to women who are looking to improve their circumstances in life. PP&P realizes that a womans venture up the ladder is a continual process and sees the need for one-on-one career counseling as a valuable part of the development.

The more women that we are able to serve, the more low-income women in the community will have the opportunity to get that first job; the first step to economic independence. PP&P clients are referred by a diverse, continually expanding group of non-profit organizations such as homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, job-training programs and other agencies.

Working mothers today are not able to do it all without a struggle. A series of workshops are being planned to educate mothers on topics of interest such as: finances, health, nutrition, stress and time management, parenting skills, conflict resolution, career enhancement and life skills training.

PP&P is a vibrant, growing and creative force in responding to the needs of mothers throughout the various communities. We would like to maintain this momentum. Charitable contributions are an essential source of support for this social program. PP&P welcomes all gently used and new shoes, pearls, and portfolios for mothers to put their resume in an effort to complement their wardrobe needed to go into the workforce. Shoes are needed in all sizes and widths. The pearls are needed to be preferably white in any length. A resume size portfolio is desirable.

PP&P relies on monetary donations to continue and expand our programs to help women excel in the workplace. Contributions are used to help cover program development, and to purchase accessories for the mothers (inventory).

You may call Sharon Johnson at 305-661-2052/ 305-349-1430, or 305-772-7001 for pick-up. She humbly welcomes your contributions for all of the clientele.

Sharon Kendrick Johnson, Chief Executive Officer
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305-661-2052

Every soul should be granted the opportunity to re-do their good