Not Just Another Meeting!

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:00pm. Never wanting to be late I arrived at 5:55pm. There before me were about 6 ladies checking in. I looked around the room and there were approximately 12 round tables set up with about 70 women sitting around chatting and getting caught up with life. There were tall women, short women, slim women, plump women. Women that were dressed up, some came in dressed down clothes. Some were groomed,  others were still learning. I found a seat along the side with other guests. Dinner was served. Buffet style, they got up and grabbed a bite to eat. As I sat there watching, taking it all in, I saw how the volunteers were caring, all with a servant's heart. I saw each woman attending treated with respect, with acceptance, and with dignity. I was getting caught up in the spirit of service. The meeting came to order with a leader that had a purpose, a mission. As she began, 3 different groups of women were being celebrated for their accomplishments. Some passed a cooking class, others passed a computer class, and the final group graduated from the program completing all the phases. There was a steady stream of women coming to the front of the room receiving the recognition they so derserved and earned. There was a warmth in my heart, a glow in my eye watching these women. Ten women had found jobs! What joy and success! After the recognition came to a close, training began. "How to stay unemployed". Different film vignettes, with leaders sharing some training tips. Informative and easy to understand, I noticed how focussed these ladies were on what they were being taught. I learned a little later that these women WANTED to be here. There are no MUSTS or anything MANDATORY after that first suit is received.  


After the meeting adjourned each table one by one got to go shopping for FREE! In an orderly fashion, they walked together into the boutique. Several of us were there to assist and help, for they could only shop for 15 minutes. And the timer was ticking. What joy! What fun! How encouraging! THIS is what it's ALL about.......


Teaching women to believe in themselves. It may begin with the gift of a suit. But that's the bait. These are transformations, beautiful transformations. Women learning that they are valued. They are created with worth. Some may have never received that encouragement. Others may have, but then forgot because of circumstances. Showing them that there is a sense of self esteem in each woman, and encouraging them to learn how to find it.

Dress for Success embraces each client that walks through their door. Accepts all unconditionally, and warmly welcomes each to strive to be their best. Thank you Dress for Success for "Dressing each woman for SUCCESS! Together with each other, differences continue to be made by enriching lives.