If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to help others in your community, we have the perfect suggestion for how to reach your goal.

While Maryland’s unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since March 2008, there are still plenty of individuals looking to re-enter the local workforce. This year, help your fellow Marylanders by donating time, money, and work clothes to career-focused organizations around the state.

Here are a few groups working to help those in-need.

Success in Style helps men and women throughout the state with preparing for interviews, dressing for a professional first appearance, and building a career. In addition to providing suits, shoes, and accessories, Success in Style provides its clients with the confidence and self-esteem needed to renter the workforce. The organization has locations in Savage, Laurel, Glen Burnie, and Woodstock, Md, as well as Washington, D.C.

The Seton Center’s workforce development outreach includes job fairs twice a year – in the spring and fall. The Emmitsburg organization offers a resource center to those who need a computer for job hunting, or completing applications and resumes. There is also staff on-site to help with creating a resume. Job seekers can also take advantage of the Seton Family Store which provides free outfits for those starting new jobs, or, going on job interviews. For even more clothing options for job seekers in Frederick County, check out the Frederick Rescue Mission.

The Light House is an Annapolis-based support center that provides the “BEST” Program – or Building Employment Success Training – for those interested in entering the culinary arts or building trades. For 12 weeks, interested individuals train with professional employers and shadow mentors on the job. Not only will students learn about the profession, but they will also learn about work ethic, employer expectations, time management, and other skills needed for the workplace.

Helping You Grow Successfully (HUGS) is a youth-based non-profit in Clinton, Md. The organization works to ensure a successful transition into adulthood for at-risk and foster youth throughout the region, including help with resume development, job application completion, searching for jobs, and finding job-appropriate attire. The group has started hosting clothing drives to encourage more community interaction.

Suited for Change provides women re-entering the workforce with head-to-tie attire for new jobs. The organization accepts monetary donations as well as new or like-new professional attire for those in-need, including blouses, winter coats, shoes, handbags, and more. Located in downtown Washington, D.C., Suited for Change is an easy walk from both the McPherson Square and Farragut North metro stops.

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, with locations in Salisbury, Easton, Edgewater, and beyond, works to prepare residents with securing and retaining jobs in Maryland. While residents may be familiar with Goodwill’s donation drop-offs, they may not know all the work that the organization puts in to help locals obtain employment. In 2018, the local Goodwill chapter helped nearly 2,100 people get jobs.

Horizon Goodwill Industries – known as the largest Goodwill in Maryland – is based in Hagerstown and serves 17 counties in multiple states. In addition to serving the residents of Western Maryland, Horizon helps individuals in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia develop job readiness skills, explore new careers, and find and retain employment.

For suggestions around the Baltimore metropolitan region, click here.

For even more re-entry resources, click here.