FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2022		 MEDIA CONTACT
Kim Hawkes
(850) 556-9799
kim@volunteerflorida.org

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Volunteer Florida and Simply Healthcare Plans (“Simply”) proudly announced that the 7th Annual “Suits for Session” service project resulted in the collection of 3,850 pounds of professional attire for Florida job-seekers statewide. The 5,144 items of professional clothing and accessories were donated to Bridges International, CareerSource Gulf Coast, and AMIKids Panama City Marine Institute – organizations dedicated to supporting job-seekers in Florida striving to enter or re-enter the workforce. Since its inception in 2016, Volunteer Florida’s “Suits for Session” service project has collected over 27,000 items, translating to more than 20,000 pounds of professional attire.

 

“If you want a job in the State of Florida, you can find one,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Corey Simon. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida businesses are hiring, but there are members of our communities who need that one boost, or that one suit, to help them gain the confidence to seize those job opportunities. Volunteer Florida is exceedingly proud to engage our state agency and legislative partners each year in service to our fellow Floridians striving to join the workforce.” “It was incredibly inspiring to see so many Floridians contribute to this effort,” said Holly Prince, President of Simply. “Now, these previously worn suits will find new purpose in helping others secure a job and launch a career. Simply was proud to be a part of this meaningful opportunity.”

 

 

“Having professional attire can make a significant impact on a job seeker’s confidence and overall first impression during an interview or first day on the job,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “CareerSource Florida is particularly thankful to Volunteer Florida CEO Corey Simon, his team and Simply Healthcare for organizing this year’s event to support Floridians entering or reentering the workforce.”“Volunteer Florida has been a huge supporter of Bridges for many years,” said Lori Constantino-Brown, President of Bridges International. “We are very grateful for the Suits for Session service project. These generous donations make a tremendous impact on our clients as they get jobs and reintegrate back into their communities.”

 

“We are so grateful to Volunteer Florida and all of those who donated to Suits for Session,” said Kimberly Bodine, Executive Director of CareerSource Gulf Coast. “Being able to provide professional attire for those in our community who were first affected by Hurricane Michael and then the pandemic is an incredible gift. Going into an interview with a great looking suit helps individuals feel confident when they land that ever important job interview.”“AMIkids works with young adults in Florida’s county jails, helping to prepare them for their return to the community,” said AMIkids Panama City Marine Institute Executive Director Ron Boyce. “We often have an employer lined-up to interview them within days of their release and having a suit to wear to that interview would be a fantastic boost to their confidence. We are letting these young people know that our state leaders care enough about them to, literally, give them the clothes off their back so they can have a leg-up in life.”For more information and photos from Suits for Session, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org/suits.
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About Volunteer FloridaVolunteer Florida, established in Florida Statutes in 1994, manages national service programs and advocates for volunteerism throughout the Sunshine State. Volunteer Florida has evolved to also serve as the state’s lead agency for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating donations before, during and after disasters, including managing the Florida Disaster Fund. Volunteer Florida remains committed to promoting volunteerism in Florida and launched the state’s official volunteer opportunities platform, Volunteer Connect. Volunteer Florida delivers high-impact volunteer programs and opportunities that engage Floridians, transform communities and make the state a better place to live. For more information, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org. About Simply Healthcare PlansSimply Healthcare Plans, Inc. (“Simply”), is a Florida managed health care plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our health care providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their health care and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.