Nonprofit groups combine to help women dress for success

By Emily Fletcher, Special to My Life

Sunday, June 6, 2010

On May 11, two local nonprofit organizations came together in their efforts to help women in need in our community build better futures. That 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 nonprofit 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 new suit and 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 dressforsuccess.org/memphis. For more information on the Emergency Family Shelter or The Salvation Army in general, visit the website at salvationarmymemphis.org.

Emily Fletcher is an account coordinator for Thompson & Berry public relations firm.

By Joseph Russell
The Commercial Appeal
June 6, 2010