With the beginning of the new year, we thought it appropriate for this month’s not-for-profit feature to highlight an organization that empowers women and starts them on a new path. As a community of hundreds of Macaroni Kid Publisher Moms (and a few dads!) across the country, we know that women can empower others.
Many of you may already be familiar with Dress for Success – at least maybe your local affiliate that supplies suits and professional attire for women seeking jobs. But, did you also know about the other programming they offer to economically disadvantaged women? Or how wide their reach truly is?
An international not-for-profit, Dress for Success supports women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. The organization exists in 140 cities throughout 18 countries and has served more than 775,000 women in its 17 years of operation.
In addition to assistance with professional clothing for job interviews, Dress for Success offers women who are referred to them use of the Career Center to search for a job, work on a résumé or participate in a mock interview. Once a woman finds employment, she can join the Professional Women’s Group, which offers continued support in terms of managing finances, expanding skills and transitioning into the workforce.
Simply put, Dress for Success is about teaching women the tools to help them get back to work and assist them in remaining employed, as well as progressing in their positions until they have reached their desired level of professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
The organization’s aim is for each woman to attain self-sufficiency, so that she may establish a financial foundation on which to build a more secure life, a more stable family and stronger ties to her community. Because of the programs it offers, Dress for Success is able to help its clients go from surviving to thriving.
As you make room in your closet for new holiday gifts, or prepare for an annual spring cleaning, consider donating your like-new professional attire to your local affiliate. Interview-appropriate suits, shoes, jewelry and purses, as well as unopened hosiery and cosmetics are accepted at most locations.
You can also support their work by volunteering your time or making a monetary donation through their website at www.dressforsuccess.org. All clothing and monetary donations are tax deductible.
