County Backs Career Suiting Program

Published on March 10, 2026

Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Franklin County will fund professional suiting, interview preparation, and career coaching for approximately 100 men through a $35,000 subaward to the Columbus Urban League approved Tuesday by the Board of Commissioners. The funding supports the Urban League's My Brother's Closet program, which provides TANF-eligible men with suit fittings, soft skills workshops, and one-on-one coaching.

According to Job and Family Services Assistant Director Bart Logan, who presented the resolution, the program has helped men build confidence and obtain employment. Participants report improved confidence and motivation, and the hands-on support goes beyond putting a suit on someone's back.

The county's contribution will ensure that the men have access to professional development training, workplace suiting and connections to hiring opportunities. The Columbus Urban League has long been a cornerstone of workforce development in central Ohio. This investment extends that relationship and directs county resources toward consequential programming, namely: employment, confidence and access to hiring opportunities.

For men who face structural barriers in the job market, My Brother's Closet delivers something practical and visible. It's the kind of program that changes what's possible on a first impression. The resolution aligns with Goal 4 of the county's Rise Together Blueprint, which focuses on economic mobility.