Clothing | by admin
Organization dresses working women
Organization dresses working women
Providing women in need with professional work attire and various workshops to help them transition into jobs, Dress for Success continues to empower women and help them make advancements in their lives.Dress for Success started in 1996 when founder, Nancy Lublin, received an inheritance of $5,000 from her grandfather. With that money, Lublin decided to create a service to aid women in need, by establishing DFS’ first location in New York City in 1997.“There was a need for this type of organization in Philadelphia, one that would help women transitioning back into the workforce,fluorescent lights,” Executive Director Cecilia Lusardi, said.
DFS’ mission is to build up the “economic independence of women in need who are transitioning back into the workforce by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and life,” according to its website.
Since its establishment, more than 116 affiliates have been established worldwide that continue to serve communities. One location in particular, Dress for Success Philadelphia, has created a warm and welcoming environment for all those who enter its boutique.
Located in Center City, DFS Philadelphia is another affiliate in the mission to assist women in obtaining a job. In July 2008 it opened a small boutique in Spring Garden.Lusardi said the Spring Garden location was experiencing a need for expansion, so a relocation to Race and Vine streets in Center City was necessary.Since that expansion, DFS Philadelphia is ranked second, with New York being the first, for having helped suit 2,543 women last year.
As one walks inside the Philadelphia location, the crisp atmosphere takes on a professional, yet welcoming feel, and puts one at ease. Along with the beautiful décor of the boutique, there are endless amounts of clothes and accessories on display.All of the gently used clothing and accessories are donated by those who are willing to support the organization. This includes a few celebrities, like makeup artist Bobbi Brown.
“When donating clothes to a woman, it’s never a hand-down, always a hand up,” Lusardi said.Lusardi views this experience as a blessing for those who are able to assist women in whatever way they can.Women are referred to DFS members through an agency that assists them with finding jobs. Lusardi said that by partnering with them, DFS finalizes the women’s job hunting process by providing them with appropriate professional attire.