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Powerful First Impression Leads Jacob's Ladder Program Participant to Manage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charlotte, NC - April 24, 2007 - First impressions of Cynthia Edge-Allen led her from being a resident of the Salvation Army's Women's Shelter to being the manager of A Perfect Fit clothing closet. A Perfect Fit opens in May and is a natural extension of the work being done at Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc.

While a resident at the Women’s Shelter, Edge-Allen was referred to Jacob's Ladder for job-readiness training. On her first day of class she immediately stood out.

"Cynthia was so nicely dressed and looked professional, I thought she was a new volunteer," said Steffi Travis, Executive Director at Jacob's Ladder.

Edge-Allen's positive first impression coupled with previous non-profit work led to a position on the Jacob's Ladder team. She was motivated to lead the new initiative by understanding the importance of professional appearance. It was also her desire to return to others the personal and professional investment that Jacob's Ladder offered her. Edge-Allen and Jacob's Ladder brought A Perfect Fit to life with funding from The REEIMPRISE Fund of The Foundation For The Carolinas and other private donations.

"Nothing in life prepared me for what happens when you are homeless," says Edge-Allen, "but I feel blessed that I know the experience that our program participants are going through and I can really empathize with them."

Edge-Allen is also employed as a Resident Adviser at the Y.W.C.A. on Park Road in Charlotte.

"Many of our participants come from the homeless shelters and can't buy basic interview clothes. They don't have the disposable income to purchase grooming products and services," says Edge-Allen.

Jacob’s Ladder and A Perfect Fit will provide participants not only with interviewing and job readiness skills, but also a put-together polished professional look for upcoming interviews. Jacob’s Ladder will officially open A Perfect Fit at their location at Plaza Presbyterian Church, 2304 The Plaza in May. A Perfect Fit is accepting donations of professional interview attire and new grooming/hygiene products by appointment. Please call Cynthia Edge-Allen at 704.332.5822. To learn more about how you can become a part of the great work at Jacob's Ladder visit www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org.

About Jacob's Ladder:
Jacob's Ladder Job Center, Inc. is a community based non-profit agency dedicated to helping the unemployed and underemployed to find and keep living wage jobs. Founded in September 1998 Jacob’s Ladder has assisted over 2800 citizens.

Media Contact:
Jenny Harbin
jjarn@yahoo.com
Phone: 704-507-0797

Content Contact:
Cynthia Edge-Allen, A Perfect Fit Manager
Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, Inc
2304 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-332-5822
cynthia@jacobsladdercharlotte.org

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