In today’s fast-paced business world, partnerships that prioritize community impact are more important than ever. They remind us that success isn’t just about profits; it’s about people. This year, Life’sWork of Western PA is thrilled to recognize Model Uniforms as one of our 2024 Business Partners of the Year. But why exactly is this partnership so special?
Our Partnership
The Business Partner of the Year award is a celebration of organizations that go above and beyond in their commitment to community betterment. Life’sWork of Western PA (Life’sWork) honors companies that create inclusive opportunities, support workforce development, and contribute significantly to societal well-being.
For Life’sWork, selecting Model Uniforms as one of the recipients of the 2024 award was an easy decision. Their dedication to fostering a work environment that empowers individuals with disabilities aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we’ve been able to provide fulfilling jobs to over 75 individuals who might otherwise face barriers in traditional employment settings.
Meet Model Uniforms: Dressing for Success
Model Uniforms is not your average uniform rental service. Founded in the 1980s with a vision of quality and community service, they’ve become a staple in the Western Pennsylvania business landscape. Their commitment to providing high-quality uniform solutions is matched only by their dedication to community involvement.
At the helm of this remarkable company is the LaCarte family, where five brothers have continued their father’s legacy of prioritizing good old-fashioned family values. “My biggest pleasure in running a business is providing opportunities for employees in the community,” says Model Uniforms President Joe LaCarte. “We’re able to provide fulfillment with careers for all our employees and use their talents to help the company.”
Model Uniforms understands that their success is linked to the community’s well-being, and they continuously seek ways to give back. This mindset has led to a fruitful partnership with Life’sWork, where the focus is on collaboration and mutual growth.
Hanging Around: The Model Cleaners Contract
One of the key projects we’ve undertaken for Model Uniforms is the recycling of hangers. At Model Cleaners, a division of Model Uniforms, hangers returned from uniform rentals or dry-cleaning services often arrive in a tangled mess. Enter the dedicated members of Life’sWork, who take on the task of sorting these hangers with enthusiasm and efficiency.
Diann Donaldson, workforce development specialist at Model Uniforms, shares, “They absolutely love it. They cannot wait for the hangers to arrive. We have one individual in particular that does the hangers, and her goal is to do 100 a day. She counts them each and every day, and when she goes beyond that goal, she’ll tell everybody, ‘I did 105, I did 110!'”
Joe LaCarte acknowledges the impact, saying, “We’re probably recycling over 3 million hangers per year. We weren’t honestly able to keep up with the recycling of those hangers, so Life’sWork has now not only kept up with that but made it very efficient for us.”
Celebrating Success and Looking Forward
The partnership between Life’sWork and Model Uniforms is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses and nonprofit organizations come together with a shared vision. As we celebrate this year’s Business Partner of the Year award, we look forward to continuing our work together and exploring new ways to make an impact.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can build a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
For more information on how you can get involved or donate, visit lifesworkwpa.org/ways-to-give.
