When I first contacted Dress for Success Boston over two years ago, it was with the intent to donate clothing I was convinced was never mine to wear again. It was almost two years since protracted illnesses led to my disability status, essentially rendering my days both empty and lived in yoga pants. I was desperate for a "makeover" myself but held no expectations that a visit to Dress for Success Boston might serve me as I aimed to serve them. Fast forward two years later and both the sophisticated clothing I don each day and the smile I carry are largely courtesy of Dress for Success Boston.
The opportunities afforded to a volunteer at DFS Boston are deeply meaningful. I know of no other organization where volunteers are directly involved daily in the mission and objectives quite like at DFS Boston. Nor where they are as respected, trusted and encouraged to play essential roles in the operations. Like all non profits, DFS Boston operates with very little and relies heavily on donors and volunteers to ensure success, I offer more and more of myself because in doing so, I gain an intrinsic value that is vital and unmeasurable. Not too far off than the clients themselves. And those yoga pants? I wear them still...but at the end of the day. After my dresses or blazers come off first :)
As a client of Dress for Success, Boston, I can tell that the Mission and the work performed by the staff members are outstanding. I got a career coach and a personal stylist to help me with both my resume and my image. This gave me more confidence in myself and therefore I had a stronger job interview. I really loved my outfit for my first interview; it was classy, modern and fit perfect on me.
The reason of why I like this organization so much besides my great experience is because I believe its values are very compelling with millennial needs and values, especially for women who would like to thrive in their careers and just need a little help to begin, Dress for Success, Boston:
-Empowers women to have opportunities to succeed in the workplace
-Promotes diversity and inclusion
-Advocates for Environmentally friendly practices (as clothes have a meaningful second use)
I've been affiliated with dress for success for many years. Thank you to them I have been a success story and have landed two great jobs that I have held for many years. Thanks to dress for success I was able to feel good about my upcoming interview and also myself when I had been laid off after 7 years. I am still holding my job now going to be 10 years thanks to desss for success. I am an active PWG member. I love the meetings. Thank you for ever. Thank you for the amazing fashion that have me expand my outdated closet.
My experience with Dress for Success was wonderful. They treated me so very well. Getting back on your feet with nothing is extremely difficult. I went to Dress for success, the women there worked with me one on one! As if I was very special. I was provided with a beautiful suit, blouse, earrings, necklace, shoes and a handbag! I was amazed and thrilled. It's an unbelievable experience and an a great non-profit organization!
Sincerely,
Rose O'Toole
I feel very happy when Dress for Success found me and gave me an opportunity to grow and increase my self esteem.
I have been a "Personal Shopper" at Dress for Success for almost six years. I am always so excited to meet my clients and help them on their road to self sufficiency. Seeing a woman's face light up as she sees herself looking fabulous is a gift. Helping a woman find that perfect suit or pair of shoes has been and always will be something to be treasured.
I can't imagine my world without DFS.
I learn about Dress for Success in Miami, Florida at the One Stop Career Center on Calle 8. A wonderful Career Counselor referred me and I got the most Elegant Suit, brand new, exquisite and with a magnificent touch of class. I got the job right away after I interviewed with that suit! Then I became part of the Professional Women Group and I had the opportunity to pick a brand new dress, a brand new Suit, Jewelry and Shoes at Dadeland Mall. I felt like a Princess!
Now I am in Boston, Massachusetts and I got a job because I was referred to Dress for Success by an Advocate at The Women Lunch Place. I got 2 suits, 2 pair of shoes, jewelry, bags, panty hose, a haircut in a 5 Star Hair Salon. I am now part of The Professional Women Group in Boston and I love the seminars and the continuing growth available for Women!!!
I have volunteered with Dress for Success Boston now since this past summer and am constantly inspired and amazed by all the work that they do. Their driven and organized staff work efficiently and passionately to provide clients with a personalized shopping experience unlike any other. It is amazing to see the transformations that take place within the boutique, not only in the way the clients look but how they feel.
I was given two high quality suits over 8 years ago that I still use for interviews. Great organization that truly chances the clients lives by providing opportunities to dress to impress employers.
I was referred to Dress for Success by my mentor while I was in the process getting ready to interview for a job. I am thankful that there are programs like this to help us kick start our career paths. They people he was so friendly from the moment I walked through the door helping g look around and put some outfits together for my upcoming interview. There are many people out there that can benefit from programs like this and I am very thankful to Dress for success for having me interview ready. YOU ALL ARE GREAT !
After being laid off from a company that I had worked at for 17 years, I went back to a training school to get my skill up to date. When the job search started I did not have a suit to wear. I was told that Dress for Success would help me. They did!. I was given a suit and then became a member of their PWG. Thru PWG i have meet new friends and taken classes on getting my finances back in order and other things that women need .
Hi Everyone in need of HELP! When I first heard of Dress for Success - Boston, I was unprepared to re-enter the work force. I did not understand what would be required in the sense of appropriate attire. Additionally, I did not know within myself the correlation between how I dressed for work and my work performance.
After spending about 1.5-2 hours in the process, and having the exceptional staff encourage, guide and support me in moving forward, I left with the appropriate clothes that allowed me to get hired into a series of contract positions (I'm still looking for a full-time permanent position - I know I'll get one and I'm prepared for it!). I can not tell you how important it was for my developing self-esteem as I interacted with the staff. They were caring, understanding of my fears, knowledge about what would look good for my size/body type and most importantly the experience left me feeling for the first time in a LONG time pretty/beautiful.
That being said, if you are looking for a new position, re-entering the work force, seeking help in better presenting yourself as a valuable team member or trying to get your foot in the door, DON'T hesitate to make an appointment. KEEP THE APPOINTMENT!!!! It will change not only your outlook about yourself, but will give you the needed push to understand that YOU are pretty/beautiful and valuable to the next company LUCKY enough to get you!
Kudos to Dress for Success Boston - they really made a world of difference in my job search!
Dress for Success came to my rescue. I had been out of work for a few years. I went back to school and upon graduating, I realized I had nothing to wear to interviews nor the money to purchase anything. They gave me a full outfit all the way down to shoes and jewelry. I was so grateful for their help!!!!!!!
I am a donor to Dress for Success Boston, and I am also an employee. As Executive Director, I have the pleasure of being surrounded by amazing women every day. Our clients are strong, brave, determined women, who continue to inspire me with their courage. I will never tire of seeing a woman look in the mirror for the first time when she is wearing the suit we found for her. A transformation takes place at that moment, and the woman sees herself in a new light. She sees herself as someone who will succeed. She has a new-found confidence in her ability to get a job, support her family, and set a strong example for her children. A suit seems like something very basic, but I have seen it change lives!
I have great admiration for this organization. I heard about Dress for Success for the first time when I was in college, and have always thought its mission is wonderful. Recently, a good friend of mine began volunteering with them, and this has given me a closer look into the organization and the major difference it makes in women's lifes. It has inspired me. I used to always take time a couple of times per year to donate unused clothes in my closet. I now make it a point to do it a lot more often. In fact, every time I shop for something new, I make sure to take something older but in good condition out of my closet, and donate it to Dress for Success. I have confidence that my donation is impactful with them.
Volunteering for Dress for Success has been the most rewarding experience in my life!
When I applied to volunteer I wanted to help others and make an impact in their lives, but it turned out to be a life changer for me as well!
Not only do I have the opportunity to dress amazing women every week, but also work along the most inspiring group of women. Being part of the Dress for Success Boston team has been a wonderful experience!