CMPs Contribute to Dress for Success
Dress for Success is well known for providing resources to women in need who are entering or returning to the workplace and do not have professional clothing needed to interview for (and secure) jobs. Diane Riche, Board Chair of Dress for Success New Orleans shares how our donations are helping women in New Orleans.
How is Dress for Success helping women in New Orleans, particularly. Are there any circumstances or issues particular to New Orleans that make the work you do in that city different or special?
The issues in New Orleans are no different than any other city. The women that we serve all have one thing in common – they want to have a better life for themselves and their children, and they know that in order to do that and to be able to provide for their families, they need to find gainful employment. Many of us take it for granted, that if we need a new suit or a new dress, we can purchase it. These women do not have that luxury. And without the appropriate clothing, they cannot go to an interview and make a good first impression. When they come to our "boutique," by appointment, they are usually shy, a little apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. By the time they walk out of our doors, they have the confidence that they need in order to secure that position.
Many of our ladies have never owned a suit, and when they see themselves in that mirror for the first time, it is overwhelming. A Volunteer Personal Shopper helps them select a complete outfit, that is flattering to their body type and feels good to them. But our program is more than the suit. We also provide help with writing resumes, with interview skills, a Career Center where they have access to computers and printers, and a network of support to help them thrive in work and in life. After the ladies get their job, they are invited to join our Professional Women’s Group, which meets monthly. They enjoy a professional speaker, who addresses topics ranging from financial literacy, to written and unwritten rules of the workplace, to work/life balance, to health and wellness.
Can you give us an overview of the donations you received during Conclave?
The attendees of the CMP Conclave donated terrific items to our affiliate. We collected 24 suits, 60 separates (including several St. John knits!), 10 pair of shoes, five purses and a beautiful selection of costume jewelry. Additionally, personal care items were donated, as well as a lovely suitcase (filled with beautiful clothing), which will come in handy when our delegate travels to the Annual Success Summit next July.
What is the process once the donations are made/received by Dress for Success?
Volunteers sort through our donations, and organize by size, season and type. The items are carefully checked to make sure that they are in good condition, then they are either put into the inventory at our "boutique," or if they are off-season, they are brought to our storage facility until they are needed.
What was your experience like working with CIC during Conclave?
When I was approached by Jodi Halter of Accent on Arrangements (who sponsored this event) regarding this event, I was very excited. My "day job" is Director of Sales & Marketing of the Loews New Orleans Hotel, so I am very familiar with the CIC. I knew that the attendees would be professional, well-dressed women (and men) who would be inclined to donate lovely items. Everyone that I spoke with at the event was very interested in our program and many were familiar with Dress for Success in their own communities. The beautiful clothing that the attendees donated has been put to good use and the women who come through our program will be thrilled to receive such lovely items. Each woman that we serve gets a complete outfit in preparation for her interview, so 24 ladies will be served with the suits, then after they get a job, they can come back for five days-worth of professional clothing, so that they can start to build their wardrobe.
You serve as Board Chair for Dress for Success. How did you get involved with the organization and why do you serve in that capacity?
I was invited to serve on the Board five years ago by an industry colleague. I was somewhat familiar with the organization, as I had donated suits in the past, but quickly learned how vital DFS was to the underprivileged women of New Orleans. The very first client that I met was "Ingrid." She was a single mom and had been laid off several months prior to our meeting. She came through the program, landed a job, and became a member of our Professional Women’s Group that meets monthly. I have watched her son grow and thrive. She is very proud of her accomplishments and credits Dress for Success with helping to turn her life around. She has subsequently moved on to a better, higher paying position. It is "Ingrid" and the women like her, that make me want to give my time to this organization. When one woman becomes financially independent, it changes her life and the lives of her children. We serve 500 women each year. I know that what we do positively impacts families and our community.
We receive no government funding. All services that we provide are free of charge and we rely on donations from individuals and corporations to sustain our program. We very much appreciate the partnership with CIC and the wonderful items that your attendees brought to New Orleans and donated to Dress for Success New Orleans.
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