Dress for Success Denver

Program name
Career Center Last updated 6/3/2010 by Cheryl DeAndrea	details
Suiting Program Last updated 6/3/2010 by Cheryl DeAndrea	details
Professional Women's Group--Workforce Development Program Last updated 10/21/2008 by Gerri Keeley	details

Career Center

The Dress for Success Denver Career Center goes far beyond the suit by providing interview preparation for participants. Each participant receives a one-on-one consultation where a trained Career Counselor volunteer will provide individualized interview preparation, resume development and job hunting strategies. Women are given a safe environment to seek help or alleviate any concerns about their job search.

Participants can return to the Career Center as many times as needed. Once they gain employment they are eligible to join our Professional Women’s Group for continuous support.

Definition of short-term success

Short Term Success
The Career Center helps provide our participants with the necessary resources to search for employment.
• One on one consultation with trained Career Counselor
• Clients receive resume development, general interview preparation, mock interview practice and job search assistance
• Access to technology needed for a job search i.e. computers, fax machine, copier, internet
• Increased confidence

Definition of long-term success

Long Term Success
The Career Center opened in May of 2009. More data will be available for this program as gathered.

Program success monitored by

Monitoring Progress
• Since opening in May of 2009 206 women were served by the Career Center
• 50% of all clients use the center during their appointment

Examples or evidence of program success

Evidence of Success
“I really enjoyed the Career Counselor help. She was amazing and answered all my questions. She even took the time to show me how to fill out an online application”
Client 2009

“I was so nervous. I’ve never applied for a job before and the Career Counselor helped me with everything. We practiced a hand shake and she taught me how to answer questions about my felony convictions. I feel much better prepared to find a job.”
Client 2009

Suiting Program

The suiting program is the vital first-step in a woman's journey toward economic independence. Participants are referred to Dress for Success Denver from local agencies that support and empower women toward employment by providing job training, education and employment skills.

Participants receive an initial interview outfit including a suit, handbag, shoes and accessories. Once she gains employment she is eligible to receive a ‘week’s worth’ of clothing. This consists of business casual and professional separates, handbags, shoes and accessories.

Dress for Success Denver collects and distributes—free of charge—quality professional clothing and accessories to disadvantaged women who are entering or returning to the workforce. We seek to enhance our clients’ self-esteem, confidence and employment potential. We make a point to pamper our clients while suiting them, and most importantly they are treated with dignity and respect.

Definition of short-term success

Short Term Success
The clothing that Dress for Success provides to our clients symbolizes our faith in every woman's ability to succeed.
• Every client receives interview and employment clothing and accessories such as shoes, scarves and jewelry
• Clients are given the opportunity to look the same as others applying for the position

Definition of long-term success

Long Term Success
Every woman who comes to Dress for Success is treated with dignity and respect and can walk through our doors feeling confident and welcome.
• Women with diverse backgrounds are able get jobs that garner more money to allow them to take care of their families
• Boosting Denver’s economy by getting better jobs and giving back to the community

Program success monitored by

Monitoring Progress
• Since 2006 we have suited 2805 women
• Individual donors have given over $100,000 clothing donations for our clients
Corporate Partnership
o Dress Barn has donated over 500 brand new suits
o Ann Taylor donated 400 handbags
o Mary Kay donated over $95,000 in Director’s suits
o Pampered Passions donated over $10,000 in undergarments

Examples or evidence of program success

Evidence of Success
“I was first introduced to Dress for Success Denver after serving a 131/2 year prison sentence. They made me feel like a million bucks! The suit that I picked out looked good and professional on me. The following week I had a job interview and got the job. I’ve been employed there for over a year.”
PWG member 2009
“I have never been treated so well. I got the most beautiful suit, handbag and shoes. I even got a haircut. I look hot!”
Client 2009

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Professional Women's Group--Workforce Development Program

The Professional Women’s Group (PWG) serves low-income single mothers and represents all ethnicities. The mission: “Is to provide women with support, practical information and inspiration to achieve self-defined success in career and life.” The PWG offers personal and skill development opportunities for participants. Benefits include monthly networking sessions, seminars focused on specific needs of the group and include instruction on financial literacy, public speaking and life skills training. In 2007 presenters shared information on tax credits, banking, time management and public speaking. The women are in a position to be an advocate for the program speaking to audiences throughout the City. In September of this year 5 of the PWG members graduated and became alumni members. They will spend the next year participating in an important public service project.

Dress for Success Denver is proud of the upcoming graduating class and the successes they've realized in the workplace, community and at home.

Definition of short-term success

Short-term success is being realized each month as we witness the personal growth of our members. Recruitment and retention are key elements as well. The program is managed to promote networking and instills a sense of value in each one of the women. Ownership of the group presents many opportunities for them to assist one another and share experiences that acknowledge a sisterhood and a cheering section when appropriate.

Success is recognized as the PWG gains support and an increase in the number of partner agencies referring women for services. Developing these relationships is key to the success and momentum or the program. At the end of 2007 there were close to 70 partner agencies; at the end of September 2008 Dress for Success has more than 90 partner agencies. A similar growth pattern has taken place with the bank of volunteers.

Financial support from individuals goes a long way in assisting the PWG with meeting and supply costs and realizing success, thank you!

Definition of long-term success

The long-term success of this program will be realized when members are continuing to excel in their employment efforts by advancing or securing new employment. Advancements and employment upgrades that lead to additional responsibilities and salary increases are important to our members. Ultimately, they will be in a position to support themselves and their families in meaningful ways while moving beyond current self-sufficiency standards.

We strive to create an environment where members succeed and are able to excel far beyond their dreams. Building a program that the women can claim ownership of is also important. Dress for Success Denver works closely with World Wide Dress for Success to incorporate Best Practices and obtain technical assistance when needed.

Members are able to claim membership for life utilizing services from any Dress for Success affiliate throughout the world. Ensuring success depends on this type of membership and financial support from individuals.

Program success monitored by

In the fall of 2007 a special data collection program was designed to facilitate tracking PWG members. Services for this program were donated by a current board member.

Additionally, World Wide Dress for Success received a grant from the Verizon Foundation to produce a data tracking system for use by all affiliates. Release of this product for Dress for Success is scheduled for later this year. The product, E-Tapestry, will enable each affiliate to track information pertinent to day-to-day activities along with information required for annual reporting.

Monthly reports are distributed and reviewed by the advisory board of Dress for Success Denver.

Examples or evidence of program success

A member who joined the PWG a year ago, a mother of three, was suited with a wardrobe for a temporary position. She shared her struggle and lack of confidence. She asked “How am I going to do this?” There was a familiar face in the young women--she was coached and assured that she could do it and do it well.

The position ended and a new opportunity opened up. She joined the PWG in October of 2007 and participates whole heartedly at every meeting. She provides resources to the group about free healthcare, insurance, medication, daycare, government programs, and so forth. Through her knowledge and information we have created a client resource book for anyone passing through Dress for Success.

Nine months later, she is solid in her position, raising three polite, beautiful, and respectful children. She has a new job now--she wanted more for herself and her children. She spoke to 100 women about her experience at a breakfast and is helping other women improve their lives.

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