Dress for Success Palm Beaches (DFSPB) opened its doors in April, 2010, to serve a community where the poverty rate for women is 15%, and in that time it has assisted nearly 5,000 women through job readiness courses and its namesake wardrobing program.
It is an affiliate of Dress for Success, the international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Volunteers from the community breathe life into DFSPB, largely comprising women in the workforce who want to give back plus those who’ve earned their career stripes and have retired from business life. They take on roles that include career counseling, personal shopping, and mentoring. Many also actively aid in the range of fundraising initiatives undertaken by the chapter.
Clients served by DFSPB include women facing issues such as homelessness, poverty, addiction recovery, domestic abuse, and mental or physical disabilities who’ve been referred by a caseworker from one of 84 social service agency partners.
The DFSPB “Boutique” is filled with racks and bins of head-to-toe wardrobe needs that have been generously donated. The criteria for accepting this apparel is that it be either brand new, gently worn but cleaned, not too dated, and appropriate for a job interview. The Boutique not only features clothing (from petite to plus sizes), but also shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry, undergarments, and even makeup and beauty essentials. Additional to the interview outfit, upon hiring, a client is entitled to a full work week’s wardrobe.
The “suiting” of clients is an emotionally transformational experience. Clothing, after all, is the universal language among women, and by beginning its work with the offering of clothing, DFSPB is helping to open a dialogue that builds a trusting relationship with the client. And, while DFSPB treats the outer appearance of these women, it also goes to their inner core with career counseling and a robust schedule of job readiness courses.
Belle Glade Branch Boutique is located at 1089 S. Main Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430.