Wichita knows how to dress women for success

July 22, 6:34 AMWichita Women's Community ExaminerRebecca Siebert

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They say that “the clothes make the man” not only does that go for men, but it goes for women also. Dress for Success knows all about it. Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that provides professional work attire and teaches job skills to the no/low income women looking for employment. Not only does it provide a professional wardrobe, but it also provides training in self-esteem, confidence, communication, resume writing and interviewing skills.

How did Dress for Success get started?
Dress for Success is a fairly new organization that got started in 1996 in the garage at the Harlem, New York   home of Nancy Loveland. Nancy inherited some money from a relative and wanted to put it to good use. The Wichita chapter opened on Oct. 30, 2000. The program grew so quickly that they moved to their current location in March 16, 2002 at 1422 N. High in their current offices donated by Olivet Baptist church. 12 years ago and 86 centers later (some of them international) Dress for Success is a success and Wichita is lucky enough to have one.

Who uses Dress for Success?
70 different agencies from the counties of Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler send its clients to Dress for Success. Most of the women that come in are from homeless shelters, woman’s crisis shelters, alcohol and drug rehab. or welfare-to-work programs. The clients tend to not have a high school diploma, single parents, with little to no productive job skills. Unfortunately, she may come from an abusive relationship.

What services does Dress for Success provide?
When a woman comes in looking for a new job opportunity she is met at the door by a “professional shopper”. The professional shopper helps fit the client and helps her sort through shoes, belts, scarves and other accessories that would help make the rest of her suit look “professional”. Then once she gets her new job she is required to attend 9-12 meetings that meet the first Thurs. of the month at the Olivet Baptist church. Through this program she is required to meet every 6 months.

The Career Center- The Career Center is a computer lab that provides hands-on-training covering the subjects of typing, computer skills, how to write a résumé and resources for on line job searches.

The Professional Woman’s Group-The Professional Woman’s Group was started in 2002 and provides ongoing training for those women in the workforce. At the meetings they cover such topics as job retention, professional development, career advancement and finances.

Leadership council -After the ladies graduate for the professional woman’s group they move onto the leadership council. The leadership council teaches women about leadership, team building skills and about giving back to the community.

Impressive stats

• Operating since 1996 Dress for Success has opened more than 86 locations worldwide and has helped over 800,000 women find jobs.
• In the year 2008, Dress for Success, in Wichita has helped over 700 women with products and services valued between $250-$300 per client bring a total $175,000 in goods and services.
• More than 720 women attended the monthly meetings in 2008. After each meeting each woman receives 4 more outfits to increase their work attire at an estimated of $200 per client bring the total value for the year of $144,000.

What can you do?
Dress for Success will always welcome professional clothing at their clothing boutique on 1422 N. High Mon. 9-3 or any Miller Dry Cleaners. During the year they have several interesting fund raisers.

Dina Dove has written a book called the Baglady’s guide to Elegant living for purchase of $12.95. Proceeds from this book sales go to Dress for Success. Dress for Success is honored to be publishing Kansas Women of Distinction 2009. What this book does is recognize the special women in your life. You can help by either attributing a page to the wonderful woman or by buying the book. Another entertaining way to support Dress for Success is to attend the performance of “How the West was Sung” on Saturday, August 29th 7:30 at Century II. Such groups as Diamond Wranglers, Wichita chorus, Sweet Aldines, Zing, Prairie Fire, and Jazz will be giving a portion of their proceeds to the organization. Then there is the famous Boo and Brew bash on Saturday October 24th. At this exciting Halloween celebration there is a costume and dance contest, live and silent auction and the infamous jewelry box. A good time to be had by all.

Dress for Success really lives by its mission statement “To promote the economic independence to disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” I was privileged to speak with the Executive Director of Dress for Success of Wichita Pat Jones. She told me that what she wants people to know about Dress for Success of Wichita is “it is mostly women wanting and helping other woman succeed.” She also told me that she “wants to see the cycle of poverty stopped by seeing these women in successful and productive occupations. Not only will these women be making a difference in their own lives, but also in the lives of their children and the future of their family.” Thanks Pat! I couldn’t have said it any better myself.