Ask Chanlyut Program Director Bill Tsurnos about change, and he’ll tell you it can be as simple as donning a nice suit. “Our philosophy is change happens from the outside in—if the men look good, their behavior changes,” said Tsurnos. “Dressing nicer changes how the men think about themselves, and helps them to function and be productive members of the community.”

During the month of July, Chanlyut and Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) are partnering with Men’s Wearhouse to help disadvantaged job seekers get a boost of self-confidence during the 5th annual Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive. Items collected include men’s suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts and shoes. This is CITC’s third-consecutive year joining the effort. Last year, 68 suits were donated during the drive.

Donated items should be clean and only gently used, and can be dropped off through July 31 at Men’s Wearhouse at 601 E. Dimond Boulevard, Mountain View Diner at 4133 Mountain View Drive, or CITC offices at 3600 San Jeronimo Drive. Suits and apparel in bigger sizes are especially needed.

As an additional ‘thank you,’ Men’s Wearhouse will offer 50 percent off a donor’s next purchase at Men’s Wearhouse, and will donate two new ties for every suit received. In addition, for every National Suit Drive mention on Facebook and Twitter, Men’s Wearhouse will donate $1 to the cause, up to $25,000.

Chanlyut (“shawn-loot,” Dena’ina Athabascan for “new beginnings”) is a two-year residential, educational and workforce training program offering a fresh start for men who want to become productive members of society and turn around the self-destructive patterns in their lives. The program provides a structured, yet self-governed path for participants to achieve a better quality of life.

Organized as a family, Chanlyut stresses individual growth through hard work and commitment to change, while taking personal responsibility for actions. Chanlyut is modeled after San Francisco’s successful Delancey Street organization.

For many of the program participants, Chanlyut offers the first real-world job experience they may have had. Donations like clothing help participants be better prepared for life after the program, and offer a bit of confidence and self-esteem to some men who may need it the most.

For more information, visit www.chanlyut.org, www.citci.org or www.nationalsuitdrive.com or see the flyer attached below.