The Salvation Army and Dress For Success Join Forces in Helping Women in Need Get Back on Their Feet

Memphis, Tennessee, May 26, 2010 - On Tuesday, May 11, two local non-profit organizations came together in their efforts to help women in need in our community build better futures. On Tuesday night, Dress for Success donated business apparel and provided professional guidance to the women in The Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Shelter, a shelter that provides housing, meals and case management for up to 57 homeless women and their children.

Dress for Success is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools. Twenty-three women at The Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Shelter were fitted for a brand new suit and a pair of shoes to assist them in their job searches.

“We started working with The Salvation Army in 2009, because they have a number of women in the shelters who are searching for a job and can benefit from our services,” said Denise Fultz, program coordinator for Dress for Success Memphis. “Some of these women have never owned a suit before. It’s important for us to reach out to these women and provide them with a fresh look and different perspective.”

In addition to the clothing, Dress for Success gave the women tips on how to apply make- up and how to prepare for an interview. The organization donated additional clothing and shoes, and distributed goody bags containing make-up and accessories.

“Our ladies are so grateful to benefit from the important mission of Dress for Success,” said Joyce Waters, program director for the Emergency Family Shelter. “This event helped the women develop professional confidence, which is so important when applying for jobs.”

“It’s rewarding to help these women realize they are not just a client or a mom, but they can be a professional too,” Fultz added. “It is more than just clothes or make-up. It’s our way of boosting their confidence and encouraging them to do whatever they desire.”

To learn more about Dress for Success, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/memphis. For more information on the Emergency Family Shelter or The Salvation Army in general, please visit the website at www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 129 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.

The Salvation Army began its work in Memphis on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army’s work in Memphis are four core ministries: The Purdue Center of Hope, a facility that houses three shelters for homeless women and children; the Adult Rehabilitation Center, a work-therapy program for men; the local Corps which provide neighborhood outreach and support; and the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, which once construction is complete, will offer programs in the arts, education, recreation and worship. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Emily Fletcher
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 238-7443
Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260-9130