The story behind RISE
Confidence grows when people have support.
Fox Cities RISE began with a connection founder Justin Brown saw between two experiences: the confidence people gained through Jimmy Lee Langhoff’s mock interviews, and the practical help offered by Community Clothes Closet’s New Start Boutique. Together, they inspired a local effort to connect people with practical resources, useful information, and community support as they take their next step toward employment.
Seeing the transformation.
Jimmy Lee Langhoff’s business, A Queen’s Conversation, focuses on pageant interview coaching. Through the mock-interview experience, Justin saw what thoughtful preparation and encouragement could do.
Jimmy’s results spoke volumes. By the end of the day, people were leaving with newfound confidence—not simply better answers, but a different sense of themselves and what they could do. The setting was pageantry; the lesson reached far beyond it.
That transformation helped inspire RISE’s belief in the value of support. Mock interviews are part of that inspiration, not a service RISE currently offers. Jimmy Lee’s personal influence and encouragement are honored in the Founding Light tribute.
Connecting confidence with practical support.
Learning about New Start Boutique, a program within Community Clothes Closet in Menasha, brought another part of the journey into focus. The program provides clients with an interview outfit and interview tips, and can help with suitable work clothing after they are hired—from professional attire to healthcare scrubs and work footwear.
For Justin, it raised a question: how could RISE help someone move from preparing for that first interview to feeling ready for a new job?
Two experiences. One purpose.
Jimmy’s work showed the power of preparation and newfound confidence. Community Clothes Closet showed how practical resources can remove a barrier. RISE grew from bringing those lessons together—not duplicating either organization’s work, but helping people find resources, understand their options, and connect with community organizations that can help.
New Start Boutique is free for Community Clothes Closet clients making a career change, with use available once a year. Community Clothes Closet manages eligibility and program details.
Learn about New Start BoutiqueHow that purpose guides RISE today.
RISE’s current focus is access to resources: participant technology, internet access, printing, job-search information, and connections to community organizations. Office hours at LEAVEN or an agreed-upon off-site location offer a place to work through career questions, résumés, and applications. The RISE Hub helps people explore local opportunities, programs, and resources.
Community support helps keep the office, equipment, and everyday supplies available for participants. RISE does not currently provide mock interviews; its role is to make practical tools and information more accessible and help people connect with support for their next step.