Nonprofit helps underpriviledged men fit into job market

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Madeline Faber

Editorial Intern- Memphis Business Journal

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Four Memphis professionals are giving away custom tailored suits to underprivileged men in an effort to ease entryway into the workforce.

The Memphis Suit Project, founded by Jay Oliphant, CPA at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP; Justin Thomas, founder of Thomas Family Law Firm PLC; Jay Lawler, branch manager of Tom James of Memphis; and Will Moore, partner of Atkins Capital Management, has already gathered 300 suits, but more help is still needed.

Suit-recipients are chosen through an application process. The suit is custom tailored and the recipient's name is embroidered into the pocket.

"In this competitive job market, a strong first impression is an imperative," said Oliphant. "By properly outfitting a young man in a tailored, top-quality suit, we are building self-confidence and helping him find employment."

The nonprofit is now in its suit-tailoring phase. Custom fitting and appropriate cleaning costs around $100 per suit. To issue donations, visit here.