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Miles College and Caring for Others Open Ray of Hope Career Closet
FAIRFIELD, Ala. — Miles College opened the Ray of Hope Career Closet on Thursday, October 22. The closet is a partnership with Caring For Others, Inc., a nonprofit based in Atlanta, that provides students with brand-new professional and business-casual clothing at no cost.
More than 100 students and community members attended the grand opening on the 4th floor of the C. A. Kirkendoll Learning Resources Center. Students modeled professional clothing from the new closet, and Dr. Knight welcomed Dr. Richmond-Shockley to campus to celebrate the partnership.
Dr. Eslene Richmond-Shockley is Founder, President, and CEO of Caring For Others. She chose Miles College as the organization's first Career Closet site in Alabama because of the College's long commitment to supporting students outside the classroom.
Miles College President Dr. Bobbie Knight with Dr. Eslene Richmond-Shockley, Founder, President, and CEO of Caring For Others, Inc.
"Preparing our students for success means recognizing that education does not stop at the classroom door," said Dr. Bobbie Knight, President of Miles College. "Our students have the talent, intelligence, and ambition to compete anywhere. The Ray of Hope Career Closet helps ensure they can pursue professional opportunities with confidence. We are tremendously grateful to Dr. Richmond-Shockley and Caring For Others for investing in our students."
The closet's starting inventory includes dress shirts, pants, blazers, suits, ties, and belts from brands such as Ralph Lauren, Jos. A. Bank, Joseph Abboud, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nautica. Caring For Others will restock it regularly. Ms. Candice Hardy, Director of the C. A. Kirkendoll Learning Resources Center, and her staff will run the Career Closet.
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Dr. Eslene Richmond-Shockley inside the Ray of Hope Career Closet on the 4th floor of the C. A. Kirkendoll Learning Resources Center.
All enrolled Miles College students may use the Career Closet during the regular operating hours of the C. A. Kirkendoll Learning Resources Center.
The partnership will also send additional food, personal care products, and household essentials to the College's Kindness Closet. The Kindness Closet offers donated clothing, food, and other necessities to students and families in nearby communities.
ABOUT MILES COLLEGE
Founded in 1898 in Fairfield, Alabama, Miles College is a private, historically Black liberal arts institution affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Miles College prepares students for leadership, professional achievement, and service through academic excellence and civic engagement.
ABOUT CARING FOR OTHERS, INC.
Founded by Dr. Eslene Richmond-Shockley, Caring For Others, Inc. is an Atlanta-based international nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty and restoring dignity to individuals and families in need. Through clothing, food, education, housing assistance, disaster relief, and community partnerships, the organization serves vulnerable populations across the United States and internationally.
